Butterfly Valve

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments are directed to butterfly valves, generally including a body assembly and a locking cap. The body assembly generally includes a body, a disc rotationally disposed inside an opening of the body, a cog, and a stem passing through the disc and the body. The locking cap generally engages the cog to prevent rotation of the disc and the stem relative to the body. Methods of assembling and positioning a butterfly valve are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of, and claims thebenefit of priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/954,130,filed Jul. 30, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to butterfly valves and associatedmethods and, in particular, to butterfly valves for controlling the flowof fluid through a valve body.

BACKGROUND

A variety of butterfly valves are known in the industry for controllinga flow of fluid through a conduit from one location to another. Theconduit can be through a pipe, to and from a container to theenvironment, from one side of a barrier to the other, and other placeswhere controlled transfer of fluids or material is desired. A butterflyvalve can generally be operated from a closed, no transfer position, toan open, full transfer position. When a butterfly valve is adjusted intoa closed position, it inhibits transfer of fluids therethrough and isconsidered to be sealed. Some butterfly valves can providebi-directional sealing and can allow bi-directional flow. Due todiffering styles of design, some butterfly valves can have a preferreddirection of flow and/or sealing. Some butterfly valves may be adjustedto be partially open, e.g., positioned between a closed position and anopen position, to limit the rate of transfer of fluids or materialthrough the valve. When positioned between a closed position and an openposition, the flow rate through the valve can be reduced as compared toa fully open position.

However, some butterfly valve configurations may include drawbacks, suchas potential leak paths and/or potential risks of losing the integrityof the sealing element, and may require an overly complicatedmanufacturing process.

Thus, despite efforts to date, a need remains for improved butterflyvalves with a reduced risk of leak paths and/or part failure. These andother needs are addressed by the butterfly valves and associated methodsof the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarybutterfly valves are provided that generally include a body assembly anda handle assembly. The body assembly includes a body, a discrotationally disposed inside an opening of the body, a cog, and a stempassing through the disc and the body. In some embodiments, the bodyassembly includes a liner, bearing and a seal retainer. The handleassembly includes a handle body and force ring. The stem rotationallyinterlocks relative to the disc and the handle assembly. The cog and theforce ring can engage to rotationally secure the disc relative to thebody and the handle assembly.

The cog can include at least one male member and the force ring caninclude at least one female member engaging the at least one malemember. In some embodiments, the cog includes at least one female memberand the force ring includes at least one male member engaging the atleast one female member. In some embodiments, the cog and the force ringcan include male and female members configured as complementary splineswhich engage relative to each other. In some embodiments, thecomplementary splines of the cog and the force ring can mate by a totalof 50 degrees or more. In some embodiments, at least one of the cog andthe force ring includes a friction imparting surface. The at least onemale member of the cog and the at least one female member of the forcering can radially extend approximately 360 degrees around a verticalaxis of the cog and the force ring. In some embodiments, the at leastone female member of the cog and the at least one male member of theforce ring can radially extend approximately 360 degrees around avertical axis of the cog and the force ring. The handle assembly cangenerally be rotatable within an approximately 90 degree arc relative tothe body assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assembly can berotatable within less than an approximately 90 degree arc relative tothe body assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assembly can berotatable within more than an approximately 90 degree arc relative tothe body. The cog generally includes an integral stop, e.g., aprotrusion, configured to regulate a rotational path of the handleassembly relative to the body assembly.

The at least one male member of the cog and the at least one femalemember of the force ring can be positioned at an approximately 45 degreeangle relative to a stem axis. In some embodiments, the at least onefemale member of the cog and the at least one male member of the forcering can be positioned at an approximately 45 degree angle relative to astem axis. In some embodiments, the complementary splines of the cog andthe force ring can be positioned at an approximately 45 degree anglerelative to a stem axis. In some embodiments, the force ring defines amale truncated conical shape and the cog defines a complementary femaleconical shape counter bore. In some embodiments, the cog defines a maletruncated conical shape and the force ring defines a complementaryfemale conical shape counter bore. In some embodiments, the force ringcan define a flat cylindrical surface and the cog can define acomplementary flat cylindrical surface.

The handle assembly can be removably attached relative to the bodyassembly. The butterfly valve can include a locking cap including atleast one male member or female member to engage the cog to maintain arotational position of the disc relative to the body when the handleassembly has been removed from the body assembly. In some embodiments,the handle assembly and/or the disc can be actuated relative to the bodyassembly via manual actuation, e.g., by hand. In some embodiments, thehandle assembly can be detached from the body assembly and a power orautomatic actuation mechanism, e.g., an electric actuator, a pneumaticactuator, a hydraulic actuator, and the like, can be mechanicallyconnected to the stem of the body assembly to rotate the disc relativeto the body. The body generally includes visual indicators detachablysecured thereon corresponding to rotational positions of the discrelative to the body. The handle body generally includes at least oneprotrusion configured to at least partially surround one of the visualindicators of the body to indicate a rotational position of the discrelative to the body. In some embodiments, the handle body can include abore configured and dimensioned to receive an insert and at least onekey. The at least one key can be configured to fracture at apredetermined force level to prevent damage to components of thebutterfly valve. In some embodiments, the butterfly valve can include alocking cap including at least one male member or female member toengage the cog to maintain a rotational position of the disc relative tothe body. In some embodiments, the butterfly valve can include a lockingcap including splines to engage the cog to maintain a rotationalposition of the disc relative to the body. In some embodiments, the cogcan include a segment complementary to a protruding step of the handlebody to regulate an orientation of the handle body relative to the body.In some embodiment, the cog can be rotated 180 degrees relative to thebody to change the orientation of the handle body relative to the body.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of positioning a butterfly valve are provided that generallyinclude providing a body assembly and providing a handle assembly. Thebody assembly generally includes a body, a disc rotationally disposedinside an opening of the body, a cog, and a stem passing through thedisc and the body. In some embodiments, the body assembly includes aliner, a bearing and a seal retainer. The handle assembly generallyincludes a handle body and a force ring. The methods includerotationally interlocking the stem relative to the disc and the handleassembly. The methods further include engaging the cog and the forcering to rotationally secure the disc relative to the body. In general,the methods include disengaging the cog and the force ring to rotate thehandle assembly and the disc relative to the body. In some embodiments,the cog can include a segment complementary to the protruding step ofthe handle body to regulate an orientation of the handle body relativeto the body. In some embodiments, the methods include rotating the cog180 degrees relative to the body to change the orientation of the handlebody relative to the body by 180 degrees.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarybutterfly valves are provided that generally include a body assembly anda handle assembly. The body assembly generally includes a body and adisc rotationally disposed inside an opening of the body. The handleassembly generally includes a handle body, a force ring, a lever and agrip. The force ring, the lever and the grip can be disposed within thehandle body. In some embodiments, the force ring, the lever and the gripcan be pivotally secured relative to each other at least at two pivotpoints.

In general, the body assembly includes a cog. The cog and the force ringcan engage to rotationally secure the cog and the force ring relative toeach other. Actuating the grip of the handle assembly can simultaneouslypivot the lever and the force ring to disengage the cog and the forcering. In some embodiments, actuating the grip of the handle assembly cansimultaneously pivot the lever and the force ring to lift the force ringfrom the cog in a substantially parallel or horizontal orientationrelative to the cog. The lever generally includes a pin and the gripgenerally includes a complementary slot for pivotally securing the leverrelative to the grip. In general, the lever includes two protrusions andthe force ring includes complementary slots for pivotally securing theforce ring relative to the lever. In some embodiments, the force ringincludes two protrusions and the lever includes complementary slots forpivotally securing the force ring relative to the lever.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of actuating a butterfly valve are provided that generallyinclude providing a body assembly and providing a handle assembly. Thebody assembly generally includes a body and a disc rotationally disposedinside an opening of the body. The handle assembly generally includes ahandle body, a force ring, a lever and a grip. The methods generallyinclude positioning the force ring, the lever and the grip within thehandle body. In general, the methods include actuating the grip toregulate a position of the force ring relative to the cog. In someembodiments, the methods include pivotally securing the force ring, thelever and the grip relative to each other at least at two pivot points.

The body assembly generally includes a cog. The cog and the force ringcan engage to rotationally secure the cog and the force ring relative toeach other. In some embodiments, actuating the grip to regulate aposition of the force ring can include simultaneously pivoting the leverand the force ring to disengage the cog and the force ring. In someembodiments, actuating the grip to regulate a position of the force ringcan include simultaneously pivoting the lever and the force ring to liftthe force ring from the cog in a substantially parallel or horizontalorientation relative to the cog.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarybutterfly valves are provided that generally include a body assembly anda handle assembly. The body assembly generally includes a body, a linerdisposed inside an opening of the body and a disc rotationally disposedinside the opening of the body. The body includes a male radialprotrusion within an inner surface of the opening. The liner generallyincludes a female radial groove along an outer surface to interlock theliner with the male radial protrusion of the body. A section of the maleradial protrusion can be configured as at least one of, e.g., arectangle, a square, semi-toric, semi-elliptical toric, dovetail, akeyhole, a trapezoid, a triangle, and the like.

The male radial protrusion of the body can be centrally positionedwithin the inner surface of the opening. The female radial groove of theliner can be centrally positioned along the outer surface of the liner.When assembled, the centrally positioned male radial protrusion and thecentrally positioned female radial groove can prevent movement of acenter of the liner relative to the body during rotation of the discwithin the liner. In some embodiments, the centrally positioned maleradial protrusion and the centrally positioned female radial groove canprevent movement of a center of the liner relative to the body duringrotation of the disc into a seated position.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of assembling a butterfly valve are provided that generallyinclude providing a body assembly and providing a handle assembly. Thebody assembly generally includes a body defining an opening, a liner,and a disc. The body generally includes a male radial protrusion withinan inner surface of the opening that extends at least partially around.The liner generally includes a female radial groove along an outersurface to interlock the liner with the male radial protrusion of thebody. The methods include interlocking the female radial groove of theliner with the male radial protrusion of the body to detachably positionthe liner within the opening of the body. The methods further includepreventing movement of a center of the liner relative to the body duringrotation of the disc within the liner with the centrally positioned maleradial protrusion and the female radial groove.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarybutterfly valves are provided that generally include a body assembly anda handle assembly. The body assembly generally includes a body, a discrotationally disposed inside an opening of the body, a bearing disposedinside the disc and the body, and a stem passing through the disc, thebearing and the body. The bearing includes an internal bearing edge. Thestem includes an external stem edge to engage the internal bearing edgeto prevent stem blowout from the body. In some embodiments, thebutterfly valves include a gland threaded into the body to secure thebearing within the body.

The butterfly valves generally include a seal retainer positioned withina corresponding disc bore in the disc and a corresponding liner bore inthe liner. In some embodiments, the body can include a blind hole, e.g.,a partial hole, aligned with the corresponding disc bore and thecorresponding liner bore. In some embodiments, the seal retainer can bepartially passed through the corresponding liner bore and positionedagainst the body. In some embodiments, the seal retainer can bepartially passed through the blind hole. In some embodiments, the bodycan include a through hole aligned with the corresponding disc bore andthe corresponding liner bore for passage of the seal retainertherethrough. The stem includes a second external stem edge to engagethe seal retainer to position the seal retainer within the correspondingliner bore in the liner during assembly. The stem generally defines afirst section and a second section connected at the external stem edge.In some embodiments, the first section, the second section and the thirdsection of the stem can define different external configurations. Thestem further defines a third section connected to the second section atthe second external stem edge. In some embodiments, the first section,the second section and the third section define different externalconfigurations. For example, the first section can define a roundexternal configuration, the second section can define a hexagonalexternal configuration, and the third section can define a squareexternal configuration. In some embodiments, the first and third sectiondefine similar configurations which are different from the secondsection configuration. For example, the first and third section candefine a square or circular external configuration and the secondsection can define a hexagonal external configuration. In general, acentral portion of the corresponding disc bore defines an internalconfiguration complementary to the second section of the stem. Thebearing generally defines a first internal configuration complementaryto the second section of the stem. The bearing further defines a secondinternal configuration complementary to the third section of the stem.In some embodiments, the stem includes no seals positioned around a stemshaft.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of assembling a butterfly valve are provided that generallyinclude providing a body assembly and providing a handle assembly. Thebody assembly generally includes a body defining an opening, a disc, abearing and a stem. The bearing generally includes an internal bearingedge. The stem generally includes an external stem edge to engage theinternal bearing edge. The methods include positioning the disc withinthe opening of the body. In general, the methods include passing thestem through a body opening and a disc bore. The methods further includepositioning the bearing through the body opening and around the stem toengage the internal bearing edge of the bearing within the external stemedge to prevent stem blowout from the body. In some embodiments, themethods include positioning a seal retainer within the disc bore in thedisc. The methods include positioning the seal retainer within a linerbore in a liner of the body assembly by passing the stem through a bodyopening and the disc bore. In some embodiments, the methods includealigning a blind hole in the body with a corresponding liner bore in aliner and the disc bore in the disc. In some embodiments, the methodsinclude passing the seal retainer partially through the correspondingliner bore and positioning the seal retainer against the body. In someembodiments, the methods include passing the seal retainer partiallythrough the corresponding liner bore and partially passing the sealretainer through the blind hole. In some embodiments, the methodsinclude positioning a seal retainer within the disc bore in the disc bypassing the seal retainer through a through hole in the body alignedwith a liner bore in a liner and the disc bore in the disc.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarybutterfly valves are provided that generally include a body assembly.The body assembly includes a body, a disc rotationally disposed insidean opening of the body and a bearing disposed inside the disc and thebody. The body assembly further includes a gland and a stem passingthrough the disc, the bearing and the body. The gland can be positionedagainst an internal surface of the body to prevent stem blowout from thebody. For example, the internal surface of the body can shoulder thegland and restrict the space in which the stem can move. The glandpositioned against the internal surface of the body can limit movementof the stem within the body in a direction parallel to a vertical axisof the stem. The body assembly can include a seal retainer positionedwithin a corresponding disc bore in the disc and a corresponding linerbore in the liner. The gland positioned against the internal surface ofthe body can limit movement of the seal retainer in the directionparallel to the vertical axis of the stem.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of assembling a butterfly valve are provided that generallyinclude providing a body assembly. The body assembly includes a bodydefining an opening, a disc, a bearing, a gland and a stem. In someembodiments, the body includes liner. The methods include positioningthe disc within the opening of the body and passing the stem through abody opening and a disc bore. The methods include positioning thebearing through the body opening and around the stem. The methodsfurther include positioning the gland against an internal surface of thebody to prevent stem blowout from the body.

The methods include limiting movement of the stem within the body in adirection parallel to a vertical axis of the stem by positioning thegland against the internal surface of the body. The methods includepositioning a seal retainer within the disc bore in the disc. Themethods can include positioning the seal retainer within a liner bore ina liner of the body assembly by passing the stem through a body openingand the disc bore. The methods further include limiting movement of theseal retainer within the body in a direction parallel to a vertical axisof the stem by positioning the gland against the internal surface of thebody.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarybutterfly valves are provided that generally include a body assembly anda handle assembly. The body assembly includes a body, a discrotationally disposed inside an opening of the body, a cog and a stempassing through the disc and the body. The handle assembly includes alever and a force ring. The force ring can include two force ringopenings passing at least partially therethrough. The lever can includetwo lever openings passing therethrough. The force ring can be engagedrelative to the lever with at least one pin. In some embodiments, thetwo force ring openings oppose each other and the two lever openingsoppose each other. The at least one pin can be detachable, i.e.,non-integral, from the force ring and the lever.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of assembling a butterfly valve are provided that generallyinclude providing a body assembly and providing a handle assembly. Thebody assembly includes a body, a disc rotationally disposed inside anopening of the body, a cog and a stem passing through the disc and thebody. The handle assembly includes a lever and a force ring. The forcering includes two force ring openings passing at least partiallytherethrough. The lever includes two lever openings passingtherethrough. The methods include engaging the force ring relative tothe lever with at least one pin. Engaging the force ring relative to thelever with at least one pin can include aligning the two force ringopenings with the two lever openings and passing the at least one pinthrough each of the two force ring openings and the two lever openings.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of assembling a butterfly valve are provided that generallyinclude providing a body assembly. The body assembly includes a bodydefining an opening, a liner, a disc, a seal retainer and a stem. Themethods include positioning the seal retainer within a bore of the discand positioning the liner within the opening of the body. The methodsinclude positioning the disc within the liner and passing the stemthrough the disc and the liner to position the seal retainer at leastpartially within a liner bore.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarybutterfly valves are provided that generally include a body assembly.The body assembly includes a body, a disc rotationally disposed insidean opening of the body, a cog and a stem passing through the disc andthe body. The butterfly valve can include a locking cap. The locking capcan engage the cog to prevent rotation of the disc and the stem relativeto the body.

In some embodiments, the cog can include at least one male member andthe locking cap can include at least one female member engaging the atleast one male member. In some embodiments, the cog can include at leastone female member and the locking cap can include at least one malemember engaging the at least one female member. In some embodiments, thecog and the locking cap can include complementary splines engageablerelative to each other. In some embodiments, the complementary splinesof the cog and the force ring can mate by a total of 360 degrees orless. In some embodiments, at least one of the cog and the locking capcan include a friction imparting surface.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplarymethods of assembling a butterfly valve are provided that generallyinclude providing a body assembly. The body assembly includes a body, adisc rotationally disposed inside an opening of the body, a cog and astem passing through the disc and the body. The methods further includeproviding a locking cap and engaging the locking cap with the cog toprevent rotation of the disc and the stem relative to the body.

In some embodiments, the methods include engaging at least one femalemember of the locking cap with at least one male member of the cog toprevent rotation of the disc and the stem relative to the body. In someembodiments, the methods include engaging at least one male member ofthe locking cap with at least one female member of the cog to preventrotation of the disc and the stem relative to the body. In someembodiments, the methods include engaging complementary splines of thecog and the locking cap to prevent rotation of the disc and the stemrelative to the body. In some embodiments, the methods include engagingthe locking cap with the cog via a friction force from a frictionimparting surface on at least one of the cog and the locking cap toprevent rotation of the disc and the stem relative to each other.

Other objects and features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings aredesigned as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limitsof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosedbutterfly valves and associated methods, reference is made to theaccompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom, perspective view of a body of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a top, perspective view of a body of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional, side view of a body of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of a body of anexemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a body indicator bezel of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a liner of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional, side view of a liner of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional, side view of a liner of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a disc of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of a disc of anexemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a seal retainer of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a seal retainer with O-rings of anexemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a stem of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a bearing of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of a bearing of anexemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a gland of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a junk seal of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a top, perspective view of a first embodiment of a cog ofan exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 shows a bottom, perspective view of a first embodiment of a cogof an exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 shows a top, perspective view of a second embodiment of a cog ofan exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 shows a top, perspective view of a third embodiment of a cog ofan exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 shows a top, perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a cog ofan exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 shows a top, perspective view of a handle body of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 shows a bottom, perspective view of a handle body of anexemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 shows a bottom, perspective view of a first embodiment of aforce ring of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 27 shows a top, perspective view of a first embodiment of a forcering of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a force ringof an exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 shows a top, perspective view of a first embodiment of a leverof an exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 shows a top, perspective view of a first embodiment of a leverof an exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 shows a bottom, perspective view of a first embodiment of alever of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lever of anexemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of a grip of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of a grip of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 shows a top, perspective view of a grip of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of a spring of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of a handle bezel of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of a body and liner assembly of anexemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of a partial discassembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 40 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of a partial bodyassembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 41 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of a partial bodyassembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 42 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of a partial bodyassembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of a body assembly ofan exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a force ringand lever assembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a force ringand lever assembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a force ringand lever assembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 47 shows a bottom, perspective view of a third embodiment of aforce ring and lever of an exemplary butterfly valve according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 48 shows a top, perspective view of a third embodiment of a forcering and lever of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 49 shows a top, perspective view of a force ring, lever and gripassembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 50 shows an exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of ahandle assembly for an exemplary butterfly valve according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 51 shows a bottom, perspective view of a first embodiment of ahandle assembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 52 shows an exploded, perspective view of a second embodiment of ahandle assembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 53 shows a bottom, perspective view of a second embodiment of ahandle assembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of an exemplary butterfly valve in anopen position according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of an exemplary butterfly valve in apartially open position according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 56 shows a perspective view of an exemplary butterfly valve in aclosed position according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 57 shows a perspective view of a handle assembly relative to a bodyindicator bezel according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 58 shows a perspective view of a handle assembly relative to a bodyindicator bezel with sensors according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 59 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of an exemplarybutterfly valve in a closed and locked position according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 60 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of an exemplarybutterfly valve in a closed and unlocked position according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 61 shows an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary butterflyvalve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 62 shows a top, perspective view of a first embodiment of a cap ofan exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 63 shows a bottom, perspective view of a first embodiment of a capof an exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 64 shows a top, perspective view of a first embodiment of a capbezel of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of an exemplary butterfly valve in aclosed position according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 66 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of an exemplarybutterfly valve in a closed position according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 67 shows a perspective view of an exemplary butterfly valve in anopen position according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 68 shows a top, perspective view of a second embodiment of a cap ofan exemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 69 shows a top, perspective view of a second embodiment of a cap onan exemplary butterfly valve in a closed position according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 70 shows an exploded, perspective view of a third embodiment of ahandle assembly of an exemplary butterfly valve according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 71 is a top, perspective view of a handle body of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 72 is a bottom, perspective view of a handle body of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 73 shows a top, perspective view of a lever/grip of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a pin of an exemplary butterfly valveaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 75 is a top, perspective view of a handle assembly of an exemplarybutterfly valve according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 76 is a bottom, perspective view of a handle assembly of anexemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional, side view of a handle assembly of anexemplary butterfly valve according to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

It should be understood that the relative terminology used herein, suchas “front”, “rear”, “left”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, and“horizontal” is solely for the purposes of clarity and designation andis not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having aparticular position and/or orientation. Accordingly, such relativeterminology should not be construed to limit the scope of the presentinvention. In addition, it should be understood that the invention isnot limited to embodiments having specific dimensions. Thus, anydimensions provided herein are merely for an exemplary purpose and arenot intended to limit the invention to embodiments having particulardimensions.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exploded, perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a butterfly valve and actuating handle assembly 100(hereinafter “butterfly valve 100”) is provided. The butterfly valve 100includes a body assembly 102 and a handle assembly 104 mechanicallyconnected relative to each other. The body assembly 102 includes a body106, a body indicator bezel 108, a liner 110, a disc 112, a sealretainer 114, a stem 116, a bearing 118, a gland 120, a junk seal 122,and a cog 124, each of which will be discussed in greater detail below.The handle assembly 104 includes a handle body 126, a force ring 128, alever 130, pivot pins 132 a and 132 b, a grip 134, a spring 136, afastener 138 (e.g., a screw), first and second washers 140, 142, and ahandle bezel 144, each of which will be discussed in greater detailbelow. Although discussed herein as implemented with a butterfly valve100, it should be understood that the handle assembly 104 can beimplemented with a variety of valves, e.g., butterfly valves, ballvalves, and the like.

Still with reference to FIG. 1, when assembled, the body 106, the bodyindicator bezel 108, the cog 124, the handle body 126, the force ring128, the fastener 138, the first and second washers 140, 142, and thehandle bezel 144 can be aligned along vertical axis A₁. Similarly, whenassembled, the disc 112, the seal retainer 114, the bearing 118, thegland 120 and the junk seal 122 can be aligned along vertical axis A₂,and vertical axis A₂ can be aligned relative to the vertical axis A₁.Further, when assembled, the vertical axis A₃ of the liner 110 and thevertical axis A₄ of the stem 116 can be aligned relative to the verticalaxis A₁.

In some embodiments, all or some of the components of the butterflyvalve 100 can be fabricated from, e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC),chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), glass-filled polypropylene, andthe like. In some embodiments, additional materials selected for theirstrength and/or dimensional stability, e.g., glass-filled polyethermide(PEI), can be used in the cog 124 and the force ring 128. The design ofthe butterfly valve 100 discussed herein should not be limited to thefield of thermoplastics and can be adapted to products constructed frommetal or other materials. In some embodiments, the liner 110 can befabricated from an elastomeric material, e.g., an ethylene propylenediene monomer (EPDM), a fluoropolymer elastomer (FPM), a nitrile rubber(NBR), materials with resiliency of elastomers, materials with more orless resiliency than elastomers, and the like.

With reference to FIGS. 2-5, bottom, top, cross-sectional side andcross-sectional perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the body106 are provided. As noted above, the body 106 can be part of the bodyassembly 102 of the butterfly valve 100. The body 106 of FIGS. 2-5 isillustrated as a one-piece body 106. In some embodiments, the body 106can be fabricated as a two or more piece body (not shown). The outerperimeter 146 of the body 106 can be substantially cylindrical in shapeand includes an opening 148 defining a diameter D₁ centered within theouter perimeter 146 of the body 106. The opening 148 includes a centrallongitudinal axis A₅ which is perpendicular to the vertical axis A₁. Aflow path of fluid passing through the opening 148 of the body 106and/or the liner 110 can be substantially parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis A₅. The opening 148 and an inner surface 150 of theopening 148 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein theliner 110, disc 112 and additional internal components which will bediscussed below. In some embodiments, the opening 148 can include one ormore radial protrusions 151, e.g., ledges, ribs, and the like, along theinner surface 150 which interact with ledges of the liner 110 anddetachably secure the liner 110 within the opening 148. The body 106further includes a plurality of holes 152 radially spaced relative tothe central longitudinal axis A₅ and passing through the body 106 in adirection parallel to the central longitudinal axis A₅. The plurality ofholes 152 can be used to bolt or secure the body 106 to flanges used toinstall the butterfly valve 100 in a piping system (not shown). In someembodiments, the body 106 can include a plurality of slots to bolt orsecure the body 106 to flanges used to install the butterfly valve 100in a piping system (not shown). In some embodiments, the body 106 candefine an outside diameter to allow bolts to be positioned around thebody 106. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the body106 defines a pattern of varying thicknesses T₁ and T₂ radially spacedrelative to the central longitudinal axis A₅. In some embodiments, thebody 106 can define a uniform thickness (not shown).

The body 106 includes a flange 154, e.g., a gusset, a rib, a cylinder,and the like, extending from an upper portion 156 of the outer perimeter146 and aligned with the vertical axis A₁. The flange 154 includes amounting plate 158, e.g., a circular lip or plate, integrally mounted tothe upper portion 156 and the flange 154 which defines a substantiallyflat upper surface 160 for mating with additional components of the bodyassembly 102 and the handle assembly 104. In some embodiments, themounting plate 158 can be configured as, e.g., square, rectangular,oval, and the like (not shown). The mounting plate 158 includes apattern of holes 162 radially spaced relative to the vertical axis A₁and passing through the mounting plate 158 in a direction parallel tothe vertical axis A₁. The plurality of holes 162 can be used to installdevices that can provide a moment for rotation of the stem 116, e.g.,the handle assembly 104, a gear box, an actuator, and the like, themoment being resisted by the body 106, as will be discussed below. Insome embodiments, the upper surface 160 of the mounting plate 158 cancontain integral marks (not shown) which, when aligned with positionindicators on the handle assembly 104, indicate the position of thebutterfly valve 100, e.g., closed, partially open or open. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the upper surface 160 of themounting plate 158 includes two grooves 164 configured and dimensionedto receive a bezel for indicating the position of the butterfly valve100. The bezel (not shown), which will be discussed below, can relayvarying types of information, such as the angle of the disc 112 relativeto the body 106, and attached to the mounting plate via, e.g., a snapfit, such that the bezel aligns correspondingly with the positionindicator on the handle assembly 104. A thickness T₃ of the mountingplate 158 can be substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axisA₅, e.g., the flow axis. In addition, as seen from FIGS. 2-5, theposition of the mounting plate 158 can be outside of the outer perimeter146, e.g., the primary external diameter, of the body 106.

The body 106 includes a first bore 166, e.g., a stem bore, which can beconfigured and dimensioned to receive and surround the stem 116. Inparticular, the first bore 166 provides an opening for the stem 116 topass into the body 106. The first section 168 of the first bore 166defines a diameter D₂ and can be the smallest portion of the first bore166 prior to entering the inside diameter of the body 106, e.g., theinner surface 150. The diameter D₂ of the first section 168 can bedimensioned such that the bearing 118 and secondary O-ring sealsassociated with the bearing 118 of FIG. 1 can be positioned therein. Thefirst section 168 can extend from the inner surface 150 of the body 106to a partial distance within the flange 154.

The first bore 166 includes a second section 170 positioned immediatelyadjacent to the first section 168. The second section 170 can bepositioned wholly within the flange 154 at an area where the stem 116extends beyond the outer perimeter 146 of the body 106 and can beconfigured as a threaded counter bore. In particular, the threadedcounter bore of the second section 170 can be configured and dimensionedto receive therein the gland 120 of FIG. 1, which includes complementarythreads thereon, to retain the stem 116 within the body 106. Thediameter D₃ of the second section 170 can be dimensioned greater thanthe diameter D₂ of the first section 168.

The first bore 166 further includes a third section 172 configured as acounter bore positioned immediately adjacent to the second section 170and positioned within the flange 154. The third section 172 can beconfigured and dimensioned to receive therein the junk seal 122 of FIG.1 or an alternative component which limits ingress of material or debrisfrom outside of the external envelope of the butterfly valve 100. Thediameter D₄ of the third section 172 can be dimensioned greater than thediameters D₂ and D₃ of the first and second sections 168 and 170,respectively.

Further still, the first bore 166 includes a fourth section 174configured as a counter bore positioned immediately adjacent to thethird section 172 and positioned within the mounting plate 158. Thefourth section 174 can be configured and dimensioned to receive thereinand detachably interlock with the cog 124. In particular, the fourthsection 174 provides an interface between the body 106 and the cog 124.The fourth section 174 includes a step 176 for detachably interlockingthe cog 124 with the body 106 such that the cog 124 does not rotatewithin the fourth section 174. The diameter D₅ of the fourth section 174can be dimensioned greater than the diameters D₂, D₃ and D₄ of thefirst, second and third sections 168, 170 and 172, respectively.

Opposite from the first bore 166 and extending along the vertical axisA₁, the body 106 includes a second bore 178. The second bore 178 definesa diameter D₆ which can be dimensioned equal to or smaller than thediameter D₂ of the first section 168. The second bore 178 can partiallyextend from the inner surface 150 of the opening 148 into the body 106along the vertical axis A₁ and does not completely pass through theradial thickness T₄ of the body 106. The partial passage of the secondbore 178 into the body 106 prevents the creation of a leakage path for aflow material through the second bore 178 by avoiding the creation of apassage through the entire thickness T₄ of the body 106. The second bore178 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein the stem 116 ofFIG. 1 as it passed through the body 106 and the disc 112. Thus, thestem 116 can be positioned perpendicular to the flow path and thecentral longitudinal axis A₅. As will be discussed in greater detailbelow, the round configuration of the second bore 178 creates a positionfor the lower end of the stem 116 within the body 106 and allows thestem 116 to rotate within the cylindrical surface of the second bore178, thereby forming a bearing surface. In some embodiments, the secondbore 178 includes a groove 180 aligned with the vertical axis A₁ andlocated at the inner surface 150 of the opening 148. The radial groove180 defines a diameter D₆ and can be configured and dimensioned topartially receive therein the seal retainer 114 of FIG. 1 such that theseal retainer 114 can be aligned along the vertical axis A₁.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary body indicator bezel 108 of thebutterfly valve 100. As noted above, the body indicator bezel 108 can bepart of the body assembly 102 of the butterfly valve 100. The bodyindicator bezel 108 generally defines a substantially flat and arcedradial component such that the body indicator bezel 108 can beintegrally mounted into the recessed grooves 164 or arc of the mountingplate 158 to provide a visual indication of the position of the disc 112relative to the fixed scale on the mounting plate 158 on the body 106.The body indicator bezel 108 thereby provides a visual indication of theposition of the disc 112 relative to the body 106 itself. In particular,the body indicator bezel 108 defines an outer diameter whichsubstantially matches the outer diameter of the mounting plate 158 andfurther defines an inner diameter which substantially matches the innerdiameter of the grooves 164 on the mounting plate 158. In someembodiments, the body indicator bezel 108 includes an arc length of morethan approximately 90 degrees.

A flat, upper surface 182 of the body indicator bezel 108 includesvisual indicators 184, e.g., a scale of degrees, a percent of flow givencertain flow conditions, process point locations decided for aparticular process system, or any variety of markings, which indicatethe position of the disc 112 relative to the body 106, e.g., open,partially open, or closed. For example, in embodiments where the visualindicators 184 are represented by a scale of degrees, the range ofdegrees can be from 5 degrees to 85 degrees in 5 degree intervals.However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the intervalsfor the range of degrees can vary depending on the precision desired,e.g., the intervals can be any even or uneven degree increments withinan approximately 90 degree arc of the handle assembly 104 travel range.For example, if greater precision is desired, the range of degrees canbe in 1 degree, 2 degree, 3 degree or 4 degree intervals. As a furtherexample, if less precision is desired, the range of degrees can be in 10degree, 20 degree or 30 degree intervals. In addition, adjacent to the 5degree visual indicator 184, the body indicator bezel 108 can include an“O” and adjacent to the 85 degree visual indicator 184, the bodyindicator bezel 108 can include a “C”. The “O” can represent the disc112 in a fully open position relative to the body 106, i.e., at 0degrees, the “C” can represent the disc 112 in a closed positionrelative to the body 106, i.e., at 90 degrees, and the visual indicators184 ranging from 5 degrees to 85 degrees can represent the disc 112 in apartially open position relative to the body 106. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6, the body indicator bezel 108 includes nineteenevenly spaced “stop” positions at each visual indicator 184 within anapproximately 90 degree arc. In some embodiments, the disc 112 can be ina fully open position relative to the body 106 at 90 degrees and can bein a fully closed position relative to the body 106 at 0 degrees.

In some embodiments, rather than visual indicators 184 ranging from 5degrees to 85 degrees and including an “O” and “C”, the body indicatorbezel 108 can include visual indicators 184 ranging from 0 degrees to 90degrees (not shown). In the embodiment including visual indicators 184ranging from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, 0 degrees can represent the disc112 in a fully open position relative to the body 106, 90 degrees canrepresent the disc 112 in a closed position relative to the body 106,and the visual indicators 184 ranging from 5 degrees to 85 degrees canrepresent the disc 112 in a partially open position relative to the body106. The visual indicators 184 can be, e.g., raised on the upper surface182 of the body indicator bezel 108, recessed in the upper surface 182of the body indicator bezel 108, or cut through the thickness of thebody indicator bezel 108. In some embodiments, rather than a bodyindicator bezel 108, the upper surface 160 of the mounting plate 158 canintegrally include visual indicators 184 directly thereon (not shown)substantially similar to those of the body indicator bezel 108 toindicate a position of the disc 112 relative to the fixed scale on themounting plate 158. Visual indicators 184 or marks for position on thebody 106 can provide a limited visual contrast to the surroundingmaterial. Thus, in some embodiments, the body indicator bezel 108 can befabricated from a material different than the body 106 to provide adistinct contrast between the visual indicators 184 and the body 106. Insome embodiments, the body indicator bezel 108 can be of a differentcolor than the body 106 to provide a distinct contrast between thevisual indicators 184 and the body 106.

In some embodiments, rather than visual indicators 184 printed orengraved into the upper surface 182 of the body indicator bezel 108, thevisual indicators 184 can be cut into and through the body indicatorbezel 108 (not shown). For example, the body indicator bezel 108 can befabricated from a material having a different color than the body 106such that when the body indicator bezel 108 is positioned onto the body106, the body 106 can be seen through the cut out visual indicators 184.By looking through the cut out visual indicators 184, the contrast incolors between the body indicator bezel 108 and the body 106 can allow auser to visualize the position of the disc 112 relative to the body 106.

In some embodiments, alternatively to or in combination with the visualindicators 184, the body indicator bezel 108 can include sensors (notshown) that can be used in conjunction with a target (not shown) locatedin the handle assembly 104 which provide a response to a position of thedisc 112 relative to the body 106. The sensors and the target canfurther be incorporated into a suitable electric circuit (not shown) forprocessing the position of the disc 112 relative to the body 106 andoutputting an appropriate signal response. In some embodiments,alternatively to or in combination with the sensors and target, avarying signal can be produced at the final positions of the handleassembly 104 as it rotates relative to the body 106, e.g., positions forfully opening or closing the disc 112 relative to the body 106.

With reference to FIGS. 7-9, perspective and cross-sectional views of anexemplary liner 110 of a butterfly valve 100 are provided. Inparticular, FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the liner 110 alongplane 8-8 of FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the liner110 along plane 9-9 of FIG. 7. As noted above, the liner 110 can be partof the body assembly 102 of the butterfly valve 100. The liner 110includes a vertical axis A₃ and a central longitudinal axis A₆perpendicular to the vertical axis A₃. The liner 110 can be configuredand dimensioned to be inserted and detachably interlocked in the opening148 of the body 106. When inserted into the opening 148, the verticalaxis A₃ of the liner 110 can be substantially aligned with the verticalaxis A₁ of the body 106 and the central longitudinal axis A₆ of theliner 110 can be substantially aligned with the central longitudinalaxis A₅ of the body. The liner 110 further includes an opening 185radially aligned with the central longitudinal axis A₆. The opening 185defines a diameter D₈ dimensioned to be slightly smaller than a diameterof the disc 112 to create a seal between the liner 110 and the disc 112and, in turn, creating a seal between the disc 112 and the body 106. Inaddition, the liner 110 forms a seal between the body 106 and the firstand second bores 166 and 178 extending into the flange 154 and the body106, respectively.

The liner 110 includes a radial passage 186 along the circumference ofthe outside diameter through a plane congruent to the closed position ofthe disc 112 and perpendicular to the intended direction of flow, e.g.,the central longitudinal axis A₆. The radial passage 186 includes twoside edges 188 protruding radially along the front and rear surfaces 190and 192, respectively, of the liner 110. The radial passage 186 includesa central groove 194 along a bottom surface 196 configured to receivetherein the protrusion 151 along the inner surface 150 of the body 106such that when the liner 110 is detachably secured within the opening148, the central groove 194 mates with the protrusion 151. In someembodiments, the radial passage 186 can include one or more side grooves197 along a bottom surface 196 which act as air gaps to improveinteraction between the liner 110 and the body 106. The “tongue andgroove” arrangement including the protrusion 151, e.g., a male tongueextending inwardly from the inner surface 150 of the body 106, and thefemale central groove 194 of the outer diameter of the liner 110 assistsin retaining the liner 110 within the body 106.

The male portion, e.g., protrusion 151, on the body 106 and the femaleportion, e.g., central groove 194, on the liner 110 create a liner 110compression as the disc 112 moves into a closed position. In addition,the male portion or rib of the body 106 prevents lateral movement of theliner 110 under differential pressure and during operation of the disc112 into a closed position. In particular, the central groove 194ensures that displacement of the liner 110 within the body 106 does notoccur when the disc 112 is rotated into a closed position by maintainingthe central groove 194 of the liner 110 aligned with the protrusion 151of the body 106. The male portion on the body 106 and the female portionon the liner 110 also allow manufacturing and/or molding of parts thatcan be used in assemblies without the need of secondary operations. Inparticular, the body 106 and the liner 110 can be molded with multitudesof different “tongue and groove” section geometries. Althoughillustrated as substantially rectangular in shape, the cross-section ofthe “tongue and groove” arrangement can be configured as, e.g.,rectangular, square, semi-toric, semi-elliptical toric, dovetail, as akeyhole, trapezoidal, triangular, random, and the like. In someembodiments, the keyhole configuration can be defined by a circularsection positioned on top of a rectangular section.

Similarly, the bottom surface 196 of the radial passage 186 and theinner surface 150 of the body 106 can mate relative to each other whenthe liner 110 is inserted into the opening 148 of the body 106. Theedges 188 protruding around the radial passage 186 can also mate alongthe front and rear surfaces of the body 106. Although illustrated assubstantially flat, in some embodiments the radial passage 186 can beconfigured as, e.g., round, rectangular, square, dovetail, or anygeometry that accommodates the protrusion 151 and inner surface 150 ofthe body 106. It should be understood that the radial passage 186surfaces and the protrusion 151 and inner surface 150 definecorresponding geometries such that said components can mate relative toeach other.

The liner 110 includes a first bore 198 and a second bore 200 configuredand dimensioned to correspond to the first and second bores 166 and 178,respectively, of the body 106 such that a stem 116 can be passedtherethrough. In addition, an inner surface of the opening 185 defines acentral inner surface 202 and side inner surfaces 204. As illustrated inFIGS. 7-9, the central inner surface 202 can be flat and substantiallyparallel to the central longitudinal axis A₆, while the side innersurfaces 204 can be connected to the central inner surface 202 andangled away from the central longitudinal axis A₆. In some embodiments,the central inner surface 202 can be spherical or substantiallyparallel. For example, the central inner surface 202 and the side innersurfaces 204 can form a spherical inner surface. The angled side innersurfaces 204 create a larger initial diameter of the opening 185, whichreduces to the diameter D₈ at the central inner surface 202. As would beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the angled side innersurfaces 204 create a larger initial passage for the disc 112 as thedisc 112 rotates between the open and closed positions relative to theliner 110 and body 106. As will be described below, when the disc 112 ispositioned in a closed position, the disc 112 can be substantiallyaligned with the central inner surface 202 of the opening 185 and thelarger diameter of the disc 112 compresses the liner 110 to create aseal between the liner 110 and the disc 112.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, perspective and perspectivecross-sectional views, respectively, of an exemplary disc 112 of abutterfly valve 100 are provided. As noted above, the disc 112 can bepart of the body assembly 102 of the butterfly valve 100. The disc 112can be configured as substantially circular in shape and, as mentionedabove, defines an outside diameter D₉ dimensioned larger than the insidediameter D₈ of the liner 110. Control of the size of the diameter D₉ andthe thickness T₄ or inside diameter D₁ of the body 106 can be used tovary the amount of compression exerted on the liner 110 by the disc 112.The amount of compression exerted on the liner 110 by the disc 112affects the seal created between the liner 110 and the disc 112. Thedisc 112 includes a central longitudinal axis A₇ which is perpendicularto the vertical axis A₂. When assembled with the body 106 and liner 110,the vertical axis A₂ of the disc can be substantially aligned with thevertical axes A₁ and A₃ of the body 106 and the liner 110. When the disc112 is positioned in a closed position relative to the body 106 and theliner 110, the central longitudinal axis A₇ of the disc 112 can bealigned with the central longitudinal axes A₅ and A₆ of the body 106 andthe liner 110. When the disc 112 is positioned in a partially open orfully open position relative to the liner 110 and the body 106, the disc112 can be rotated relative to the liner 110 and the body 106 such thatthe central longitudinal axis A₇ of the disc 112 is not aligned with thecentral longitudinal axes A₅ and A₆ of the body 106 and the liner 110.

The disc 112 includes a hexagonal shaped bore 206 extending through thedisc 112 along the vertical axis A₂ between first and second regions 208and 210 which oppose each other. In particular, the hexagonal shapedbore 206 can be parallel and centered to the region between the opposingfirst and second regions 208 and 210 of the disc 112 and centered alongthe outside diameter D₉ and the central longitudinal axis A₇ of the disc112. The disc 112 includes first and second bores 212 and 214 at eachend of the hexagonal shaped bore 206 extending from the hexagonal shapedbore 206 to the first and second regions 208 and 210, respectively. Thefirst bore 212 defines a diameter D₁₀ that inscribes a region largerthan the corners of the hexagonal shaped bore 206 and can be configuredand dimensioned to receive therein the bearing 118 of FIG. 1. Similarly,the second bore 214 defines a diameter D₁₁ that inscribes a regionlarger than the corners of the hexagonal shaped bore 206 and can beconfigured and dimensioned to receive therein the seal retainer 114 ofFIG. 1.

The disc 112 defines a substantially flat area at both opposing surfaces216 of the disc 112. The center of the disc 112 includes protrusions 218extending along the vertical axis A₂ at varying diameters dimensionedgreater than the thickness of the disc 112. As illustrated in FIGS. 10and 11, in some embodiments, the protrusions 218 can be configured ascylindrical in shape. The protrusions 218 can be dimensioned such thatthe largest diameters of the protrusions 218 can be located at the firstand second regions 208 and 210, and can be reduced in diameter at thecenter 220 of the disc 112. In particular, the largest diameters of theprotrusions 218 can be dimensioned to receive the bearing 118 and theseal retainer 114 within the first and second bores 212 and 214,respectively, and the smaller diameter at the center 220 of the disc canbe dimensioned to receive the stem 116 within the hexagonal shaped bore206. The flat area of the opposing surfaces 216 facilitates controllingthe larger thickness of the protrusions 218 of the disc 112 near thecenter of flow. When the disc 112 is positioned in a partially open oropen position relative to the liner 110 and the body 106, e.g., the disc112 is rotated relative to the liner 110 and the body 106 such that thecentral longitudinal axis A₇ of the disc 112 is not aligned with thecentral longitudinal axes A₅ and A₆ of the body 106 and the liner 110,fluid can pass along the open areas created between the liner 110 andthe disc 112.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, perspective views of an exemplaryseal retainer 114 of a butterfly valve 100 are provided. As noted above,the seal retainer 114 can be part of the body assembly 102 of thebutterfly valve 100. The seal retainer 114 can be configured ascylindrical in shape and includes an opening 222 passing therethroughalong the vertical axis A₂. A diameter D₁₂ of the opening 222 can bedimensioned to receive therein and surround one end of the stem 116. Theseal retainer 114 includes an outer surface 224 concentric and parallelto the opening 222, e.g., the through passage. The outer surface 224includes two radial grooves 226 for retention of seals 228, e.g.,O-rings. Although illustrated as including two grooves 226 for receivingtwo seals 228, in some embodiments, the outer surface 224 can include,e.g., one, two, three, four, and the like, grooves 226 for receiving,e.g., one, two, three, four, and the like, seals 228 therein. The seals228 generally provide a seal between the central inner surface 202 andthe second bore 200 of the liner 110 where the stem 116 passes throughthe second bore 200 and the inside of the second bore 178 of the body106 which retains a portion of the stem 116. In particular, the seals228 create an additional barrier to fluid leakage contacting the stem116 if the seal between the disc 112 and the liner 110 is compromisedwhen the butterfly valve 100 is positioned in any of the functionalpositions, e.g., open, partially open, and closed.

The first and second ends 230 and 232 of the seal retainer 114 can beperpendicular to the through passage of opening 222 and the externaldiameter of the outer surface 224. The first and second ends 230 and 232can also be perpendicular to the vertical axis A₂ and can be positionedparallel relative to each other, thereby creating a cylindrical form ofthe seal retainer 114. The length L₁ of the seal retainer 114 can bedimensioned such that the seal retainer 114 can be positioned andretained within the second bore 214, e.g., the second counter bore, ofthe disc 112. The seal retainer 114 can be positioned fully within thesecond bore 214 of the disc 112 such that the disc 112 fully enclosesthe seal retainer 114 within the second bore 214. In some embodiments,the seal retainer 114 can be positioned within the second bore 214 ofthe disc 112 such that a portion of the seal retainer 114 remainsprotruding from the second bore 214.

With reference to FIG. 14, a perspective view of an exemplary stem 116of a butterfly valve 100 is provided. As noted above, the stem 116 canbe part of the body assembly 102 of the butterfly valve 100. The stem116 includes three sections, e.g., a first section 234, a second section236 and a third section 238, each defining different cross-sectionsalong the vertical axis A₄. The second section 236 defines a centralsection which connects to the first section 234 and the third section238 at opposite ends of the second section 236. The second section 236also defines a hexagonal cross-section with a diameter D₁₃. The diameterD₁₃ can be defined by the hexagon size or the linear distance betweenthe points of the hexagonal cross-section.

The first section 234 defines a lower section of the stem 116 andfurther defines a round cross-section with a diameter D₁₄. The diameterD₁₄ of the first section 234 can be dimensioned smaller than thediameter D₁₃ of the second section 236 such that the diameter D₁₄ of thefirst section 234 is enclosed by the area of the diameter D₁₃cross-section of the second section 236. The difference in dimensionsbetween the diameter D₁₄ of the first section 234 and the diameter D₁₃of the second section 236 also forms a first edge 240. The diameter D₁₄of the first section 234 can also be dimensioned to allow the sealretainer 114 to receive the first section 234 of the stem 116 within theopening 222 of the seal retainer 114 and pass into the second bore 178of the body 106. The first section 234 of the stem 116 can thereby beinserted into the opening 222 of the seal retainer 114 and the sealretainer 114 can be translated along the first section 234 of the stem116 until the first end 230 or second end 232 of the seal retainer 114abuts against the first edge 240, which prevents the seal retainer 114from translating over the second section 236. A first section end 242 ofthe first section 234 opposing the first edge 240 can be tapered toreduce interference between the inner walls of the second bore 178 ofthe body 106 and the first section 234 as the stem 116 rotates withinthe body 106.

The third section 238 defines an upper end or a drive end of the stem116 and opposes the first section 234. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, the third section 238 defines a square cross-section. In someembodiments (not shown), the third section 238 can define, e.g., a roundcross-section with a keyway, a double D cross-section, or any shapesuitable for being driven by components of the handle assembly 104, aswill be discussed below. In some embodiments (not shown), thecross-section of the third section 238 can be selected based, e.g., tomeet standardized industry codes, based on existing stem drives, basedon specified stem drives, and the like. As will be discussed in greaterdetail below, the third section 238 can be employed to transfer a momentrequired to rotate the stem 116 of the butterfly valve 100, therebyfacilitating movement of the disc 112 against the forces necessary toseal the disc 112 within the liner 110 and/or the forces created by theflow of fluid through the butterfly valve 100. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 14, the square cross-section of the third section238 defines a width W₁ dimensioned smaller than the diameter D₁₃ of thesecond section 236 such that the width W₁ of the third section 238 isenclosed by the area of the diameter D₁₃ cross-section of the secondsection 236. The difference in dimensions between the width W₁ of thethird section 238 and the diameter D₁₃ of the second section 236 alsoforms a second edge 244.

When assembled, the stem 116 does not include seals, such as O-rings,between the stem 116 and the body 106 or disc 112 along the length ofthe stem 116 extending between the first section 234 and the thirdsection 238. For example, as described above, the body 106 includes asecond bore 178 creating a partial passage or a blind hole into thethickness T₄ of the body 106 to prevent potential leaks from occurringvia the second bore 178. The lack of seals along the length of the stem116 prevents any potential fluid leakage, e.g., fluid leakage resultingfrom seal failure of the liner 110, from building pressure below thestem 116 or at any position along the stem 116. Rather, if a potentialfluid leak occurs, the fluid leak can be released from the upper portion156 of the butterfly valve 100 through the first bore 166 of the body106. This relief of potential pressure prevents the creation of forceswhich could otherwise push or force the stem 116 out of the upperportion 156 of the butterfly valve 100 through the first bore 166 of thebody 106.

As will be discussed below, the diameter D₁₄ of the first section 234,the diameter D₁₃ of the second section 236, and the width W₁ of thethird section 238 can be dimensioned such that the stem 116 can beinserted into and passed through the diameter D₂ of the first section168 of the first bore 166 of the body 106. The stem 116 also includes athreaded hole 246 at an upper end 248 which includes threadingcomplementary to threading on a fastener 138 (e.g., a screw) of FIG. 1.As will be discussed below, the fastener 138 can be used to secure thehandle assembly 104 to the body assembly 102. The gland 120 can be usedto secure the stem 116 within the butterfly valve 100.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, perspective and perspectivecross-sectional views, respectively, of an exemplary bearing 118 of abutterfly valve 100 are provided. As noted above, the bearing 118 can bepart of the body assembly 102 of the butterfly valve 100. The bearing118 primarily defines a cylindrical shape along an external surface 250extending along vertical axis A₂ and includes an opening 252 passingtherethrough. The bearing 118 defines an overall length L₂, a length L₃of a first opening section 254 and a length L₄ of a second openingsection 256. The first opening section 254 can be configured anddimensioned to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the secondsection 236 of the stem 116. Similarly, the second opening section 254can be configured and dimensioned to correspond to the cross-sectionalshape of the third section 238 of the stem 116. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 15 and 16, the first opening section 254 cross-section can beconfigured as hexagonal to receive the hexagonally-shaped second section236 of the stem 116 of FIG. 14 and the second opening section 254cross-section can be configured as square to receive the square-shapedthird section 238 of the stem 116 of FIG. 14. However, it should beunderstood that in some embodiments, the configurations of the firstopening section 254 and the second section 236, and the second openingsection 256 and the third section 238, can vary as long as therespective configurations are complementary relative to each other.

The difference in configurations between the first and second openingsections 254 and 256 forms an edge 258, step or a change ofcross-section between the respective sections. The bearing 118 can bepositioned on the upper end 248 of the stem 116 and the stem 116 can bepassed through the bearing 118 until the edge 258 of the bearing 118abuts or engages the second edge 244 of the stem 116. The edge 258 cancontrol the position of the bearing 118 relative to the stem 116. Theedge 258 can also facilitate an application of a load along the verticalaxis A₄ of the stem 116 against the edge 244 of the stem 116 from thebearing 118 and through the edge 258. The load exerted on the edge 244of the stem 116 can be paired to a load exerted by the second bore 178of the body 106 on the stem 116 to retain the stem 116 within the body106. In some embodiments, the edge 258 can facilitate the removal of thebearing 118 while the stem 116 is removed from a body assembly 102. Insome embodiments, rather than an edge 258, the bearing 118 can include ashoulder created by adding a groove and a ring placed in the groove toemulate a shoulder. In some embodiments, the shoulder can engage aninterior or one end of the bearing 118.

The inner surface of the second bore 178 of the body 106 can act as abearing surface in and of itself. In some embodiments, a bearing can becontained in the second bore 178. The bearing 118 can include an uppersurface 260 and a bottom surface 262 on opposing sides of the externalsurface 250. The lengths L₃ and L₄ can be dimensioned such that thebottom surface 264 abuts the edge formed by the connection of the firstbore 212 and the hexagonal shaped bore 206 of the disc 112 and the uppersurface 260 aligns with the connection between the first section 168 andthe second section 170 of the first bore 166 of the body 106.

The first opening section 254 of the bearing 118 can thereby bepositioned against a portion of the second section 236 of the stem 116and the second opening section 256 can be positioned against a portionof the third section 238 of the stem 116. One purpose of the bearing 118can be to position the upper end 248 of the stem 116 along the samecenterline as formed by the second bore 178 of the body 106. Thus, thebearing 118 assists in aligning the vertical axis A₁ of the body 106with the vertical axis A₂ of the bearing 116. The overall length L₂ ofthe bearing 118 can be dimensioned such that the bearing 118 traversesthe first section 168 of the body 106, a portion of the liner 110, and aportion of the disc 112 when assembled within the butterfly valve 100.

In some embodiments, the bearing 118 can include one or more grooves 264radially located relative to the vertical axis A₂ along the externalsurface 250. The grooves 264 can be located on the external surface 250of the bearing 118 which rests adjacent to first bore 198 of the liner110 and/or the first bore 212 of the disc 112. The grooves 264 can beconfigured and dimensioned to receive seals, e.g., O-rings (not shown),therein to provide a seal between the bearing 118, the liner 110 and/orthe disc 112. The seal (not shown) can provide an additional barrier tofluids retained within the butterfly valve 100 from coming in contactwith the stem 116 and/or leaking external to the butterfly valve 100 ifthe seal between the liner 110 and the disc 112 is compromised.

With reference to FIG. 17, a perspective view of an exemplary gland 120of a butterfly valve 100 is provided. As noted above, the gland 120 canbe part of the body assembly 102 of the butterfly valve 100. The gland120 includes a central bore 266 extending through the gland 120 andaligned with the vertical axis A₂. The central bore 266 can beconfigured and dimensioned to allow the stem 116 to pass therethroughwithout contact. An external surface 268 or diameter of the gland 120can include threads 270 thereon which can be complementary to thethreads within the second section 170 of the body 106, e.g., thethreaded counter bore. Thus, the gland 120 can be positioned between thebody 106 and the stem 116 and can be secured into the body 106 via thethreads 270 on the external surface 268 of the gland 120.

The gland 120 thereby retains the stem 116 within the body 106 along thevertical axis A₁ of the first and second bores 166 and 178 of the body106. In particular, an upper surface 272 of the gland 120 can include aprotrusion 274 or provision extending therefrom along the vertical axisA₂ which can be configured such that, e.g., a hex ratchet tool can beused to apply a torque to the gland 120 during assembly to thread thegland 120 into the body 106. An opposing bottom surface 276 of the gland120 can be substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical length of thegland 120 and can be used to shoulder the gland 120 against one end ofthe bearing 118. In particular, as the gland 120 is threaded into thesecond section 170 of the body 106, the bottom section 278 of the gland120 can pass into the first section 168 of the first bore 166 of thebody 106 and the bottom surface 276 can provide a load or force againstthe upper surface 260 of the bearing 118. The load or force against theupper surface 260 of the bearing 118, in turn, transfers the load orforce against the second edge 244 of the stem 116 to maintain the stem116 within the body 106. In some embodiments, rather than providing aload or force against the upper surface 260 of the bearing 118, at leasta portion of the bottom section 278 of the gland 120 can shoulder on theinside of the body 106, thereby limiting the space allowed for the stem116 to move in the direction of the first bore 166 of the body 106. Thestem 116 can thereby be fully contained within the body assembly 102 andstem 116 blowout can be prevented. In addition, the lack of sealsdirectly in contact with the outer surface of the stem 116 minimizes therisk of a stem 116 blowout, e.g., pressure pushing the stem 116 fromwithin the butterfly valve 100. In particular, since the second bore 178of the body 106 is configured as a blind counter bore from within thebody 106, no leak path through the lower section of the body 106 iscreated. Thus, the lack of seals between the stem 116 and the blindlower counter bore, e.g., the second bore 178 of the body 106, reducesthe potential for pressure build-up which may cause stem 116 blowout.Potential pressure build-up can therefore be relieved to the atmosphere.

With reference to FIG. 18, a perspective view of an exemplary junk seal122 of a butterfly valve 100 is provided. As noted above, the junk seal122 can be part of the body assembly 102 of the butterfly valve 100. Thejunk seal 122 can be disc-shaped and substantially flat in configurationand defines a thickness T₅. An external diameter D₁₅ of the junk seal122 can be dimensioned to correspond to the diameter D₄ of the thirdsection 172 of the first bore 166 of the body 106 and can be dimensionedless than the lead-in chamfer or diameter D₅ of the fourth section 174of the first bore 166. The junk seal 122 can include an opening 280centered along the vertical axis A₂. The opening 280 can be configuredand dimensioned to correspond to the cross-section of the third section238 of the stem 116, e.g., a square cross-section.

After the gland 120 has been secured within the body 106, the thirdsection 238 of the stem 116 can be passed through the opening 280 of thejunk seal 122 and the junk seal 122 can be placed within the thirdsection 172 of the first bore 166 of the body 106. The junk seal 122 caninhibit the ingress of, e.g., environmental debris, dirt, liquids, andthe like, through first bore 166 of the body 106 into the space betweenthe bearing 118 and the stem 116, the bearing 118 and the body 106and/or additional places inside the butterfly valve 100 located belowthe junk seal 122.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, top and bottom perspective views,respectively, of a first embodiment of an exemplary cog 124 of abutterfly valve 100 are provided. As noted above, the cog 124 can bepart of the body assembly 102 of the butterfly valve 100. As will bediscussed below, the cog 124 forms a load-bearing interface between thebody assembly 102 and the handle assembly 104. In particular, theload-bearing interface between the body assembly 102 and the handleassembly 104 can be created by the cog 124 and the force ring 128. Thecog 124 includes a centrally positioned vertical axis A₁ passingtherethrough and includes an upper surface 282 and a bottom surface 284.The upper surface 282 can define a diameter D₁₆ which is dimensionedgreater than the diameter D₅ of the fourth section 174 of the first bore166 of the body 106. The bottom surface 284 can define a diameter D₁₇which corresponds to the cross-section and diameter D₅ of the fourthsection 174 of the first bore 166 of the body 106. The upper surface 282of the cog 124 can therefore be positioned against the flat uppersurface 160 of the body 106, while the bottom surface 284 of the cog 124can be fitted within the fourth section 174 of the first bore 166. Aconnection between the upper surface 282 and the bottom surface 284 ofthe cog 124 can be, e.g., angled, stepped, and the like. The bottomsurface 284 can include at least one step 286 for detachably mating withthe step 176 of the fourth section 174 of the body 106 such that the cog124 does not rotate within the fourth section 174. In particular, theshape and fit of the bottom surface 284 of the cog 124 can be configuredsuch that torsion is resisted when the handle assembly 104 is moved orrotated relative to the body assembly 102 while in an engaged position.

The upper surface 282 of the cog 124 includes a radial pattern ofsplines 288, e.g., grooves, radially positioned around the vertical axisA₁. In some embodiments, the radial pattern of splines 288 can radiallyextend 360 degrees around the vertical axis A₁ to create spline 288engagement around a full circumference of the cog 124. In someembodiments, the radial pattern of splines 288 can radially extend lessthan 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the splines 288 of the cog 124and the splines of the force ring 128 can overlap or mate by a total of50 degrees or more during operation. In particular, as will be discussedbelow, the splines 288 of the cog 124 can be configured and dimensionedto correspond to radial protrusions or splines located on the force ring128 to permit detachable interlocking between the force ring 128 and thecog 124. In some embodiments, the splines 288 of the cog 124 and thecorresponding splines of the force ring 128 can be set at anapproximately 45 degree angle to allow extension of the splines, e.g., alength of teeth, which can result in a maximized shear area for the cog124 and the force ring 128 of the established inside and outsidediameters. In some embodiments, the splines 288 of the cog 124 and thesplines of the force ring 128 can be set at any angle, including 0degrees or 90 degrees, e.g., flat or vertical, as long as sufficientclearance is available to fully disengage the force ring 128 from thecog 124 to rotate the force ring 128 relative to the cog 124. In someembodiments, the configuration of the splines 288 on the cog 124 and thecomplementary splines on the force ring 128 can be configured as, e.g.,ball and socket, spherical cup and cone, and the like. Althoughillustrated as splines 288, it should be understood that in someembodiments, the splines 288 can take the form of any pattern that wouldpermit meshing between the cog 124 and the force ring 128. In addition,although illustrated as a separate component relative to the body 106,in some embodiments (not shown), the splines 288 and/or the cog 124 canbe fabricated as an integral feature of the body 106, e.g., molded aspart of the body 106, to prevent interference with mounting actuation onthe butterfly valve 100.

The vertical axis A₁ passing through the cog 124 perpendicular to theupper surface 282 and the interfacing geometry can correspond to thevertical axis A₄ of the stem 116 when assembled within the butterflyvalve 100. The cog 124 includes a partial bore 290 passing therethroughto allow the stem 116 to pass through the cog 124 and rotate within thecog 124 without interference. In particular, the partial bore 290includes a central bore 292 passing fully through the cog 124 to allowthe stem 116 to pass through the cog 124. The partial bore 290 furtherincludes a partial outer bore 294 including a volume removed over an arcof, e.g., approximately 225 degrees, surrounded by an inner edge 296 ofthe radial splines 288 or grooves, and encompassing the volume removedfor the stem clearance, e.g., the central bore 292. The resulting orremaining material creates a segment 298 of, e.g., approximately 135degrees, through an arc of a particular width and thickness.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, the segment 298 can beimplemented with a similar 135 degree segment (not shown) located on thehandle body 126 which prohibits the handle body 126 from being rotatedbeyond an approximately quarter turn operation of the butterfly valve100. In particular, the segment 298 regulates the amount of rotationpermitted by the handle assembly 104 relative to the body assembly 102.The segment 298 and a similar segment on the handle body 126 can act asa robust stop which allows approximately 90 degrees of rotational spacebetween the cog 124 and the handle body 126. In some embodiments,rotation past 90 degrees can be provided for rotational displacement ofthe disc 112, the stem 116 and the handle assembly 104 due to a fit or atorsion stress, such that the disc 112, the liner 110 and the body 106can be aligned for suitable sealing to maintain a differential linepressure or a barrier to flow. It should be understood that the furthestopposing positions of rotation of the handle assembly 104 relative tothe body assembly 102 designate the fully open and fully closedpositions of the butterfly valve 100. Although discussed herein asapproximately 225 degrees of the partial outer bore 294 andapproximately 135 degrees of the segment 298, in some embodiments, avariety of angles can be used to create a variety of rotationallimitations of the handle assembly 104 relative to the body assembly102.

With reference to FIG. 21, a top perspective view of a second embodimentof an exemplary cog 124′ is provided. The cog 124′ can be substantiallysimilar to the cog 124 of FIGS. 19 and 20 in structure and function,except for the distinctions discussed herein. It should be noted thatthe structures of the cog 124′ which are similar to the structures ofthe cog 124 of FIGS. 19 and 20 are depicted in FIG. 21 with likereference characters as those utilized in FIGS. 19 and 20. Inparticular, rather than including splines 288 configured as a pluralityof radial grooves, in some embodiments, the cog 124′ of FIG. 21 includesa plurality of radially positioned splines 288′ configured as raisedextensions or protrusions. In embodiments implementing a cog 124′including a plurality of extending splines 288′, a force ring 128 can beutilized which includes complementary grooves configured and dimensionedto receive and interlock with the splines 288′ of the cog 124′. Inparticular, it should be understood that in various embodiments, thesplines 288′ of the cog 124′ and the splines or grooves of the forcering 128 can include complementary geometries for mating relative toeach other such that the handle assembly 104 can be detachablyinterlocked relative to the body assembly 102 to maintain a desiredposition of the butterfly valve, e.g., open, partially opened at aspecific angle, or closed.

With reference to FIG. 22, a top perspective view of a third embodimentof an exemplary cog 124″ is provided. The cog 124″ can be substantiallysimilar to the cog 124 of FIGS. 19 and 20 in structure and function,except for the distinctions discussed herein. It should be noted thatthe structures of the cog 124″ which are similar to the structures ofthe cog 124 of FIGS. 19 and 20 are depicted in FIG. 22 with likereference characters as those utilized in FIGS. 19 and 20. Inparticular, rather than including splines 288 configured as a pluralityof radial grooves, in some embodiments, the cog 124″ of FIG. 22 includesa plurality of radially positioned openings 288″ configured asdifferently sized indentations. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 22,the cog 124″ can include three rows of radially positioned openings 288″relative to the vertical axis A₁ and the diameter of the openings 288″can be greater when positioned farther from the vertical axis A₁ andsmaller when positioned closer to the vertical axis A₁.

In embodiments implementing a cog 124″ including a plurality of openings288″, a force ring 128 can be utilized which includes complementaryradially positioned protrusions of varying diameters configured anddimensioned to interlock with the openings 288″ of the cog 124″. Inparticular, it should be understood that in various embodiments, theopenings 288″ of the cog 124″ and the protrusions of the force ring 128can include complementary geometries for mating relative to each othersuch that the handle assembly 104 can be detachably interlocked relativeto the body assembly 102 to maintain a desired position of the butterflyvalve, e.g., open, partially opened at a specific angle, or closed.

With reference to FIG. 23, a top perspective view of a fourth embodimentof an exemplary cog 124′″ is provided. The cog 124′″ can besubstantially similar to the cog 124 of FIGS. 19 and 20 in structure andfunction, except for the distinctions discussed herein. It should benoted that the structures of the cog 124′″ which are similar to thestructures of the cog 124 of FIGS. 19 and 20 are depicted in FIG. 23with like reference characters as those utilized in FIGS. 19 and 20. Inparticular, rather than including splines 288 configured as a pluralityof radial grooves, in some embodiments, the cog 124′″ of FIG. 23includes a plurality of radially positioned protrusions 288′″ positionedalong a substantially flat upper surface 282. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 23, the cog 124′″ can include radially positionedprotrusions 288′″ relative to the vertical axis A₁.

In embodiments implementing a cog 124′″ including a plurality ofprotrusions 288′″ positioned along a substantially flat upper surface282 perpendicular to the vertical axis A₁, a force ring 128 can beutilized which includes complementary radially positioned groovespositioned along a substantially flat surface and configured anddimensioned to interlock with the protrusions 288′″ of the cog 124′″. Inparticular, it should be understood that in various embodiments, theprotrusions 288′″ of the cog 124′″ and the openings of the force ring128 can include complementary geometries for mating relative to eachother such that the handle assembly 104 can be detachably interlockedrelative to the body assembly 102 to maintain a desired position of thebutterfly valve, e.g., open, partially opened at a specific angle, orclosed.

Turning now to FIGS. 24 and 25, top and bottom perspective views,respectively, of an exemplary handle body 126 of a butterfly valve 100are provided. As noted above, the handle body 126 can be part of thehandle assembly 104 of the butterfly valve 100. The handle body 126generally defines an elongated component of the butterfly valve 100which can be positioned to extend perpendicularly relative to thevertical axis A₁. The handle body 126 includes an upper surface 300 anda bottom surface 302. The handle body 126 further includes a bore 304extending therethrough along the vertical axis A₁, e.g., the axis alongwhich the vertical axis A₄ of the stem 116 can be aligned when thebutterfly valve 100 is assembled.

On the upper surface 300, the bore 304 can include a first bore section306 configured as a circular bore. The upper surface 300 furtherincludes a counter bore leading to the first bore section 306 configuredand dimensioned to receive therein a first washer 140, a second washer142 and a handle bezel 144 of FIG. 1. On the bottom surface 302, thebore 304 can include a second bore section 308, e.g., a recess,configured to correlate to the cross-sectional shape of the thirdsection 238 of the stem 116. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24and 25, the second bore section 308 is configured as substantiallysquare in cross-section corresponding to the square cross-section of thethird section 238 of the stem 116 of FIG. 14. When the body assembly 102is assembled, at least part of the third section 238 of the stem 116 canextend out of the body 106 such that the third section 238 of the stem116 can be inserted into at least a portion of the second bore section308 of the handle body 126.

The handle body 126 includes a boss 310 on the bottom surface 302 whichsurrounds the second bore section 308 which mates to the stem 116. Insome embodiments, the boss 310 can be fabricated from a single material.In some embodiments, the boss 310 can be fabricated from two or morematerials. For example, a first material can be a separately producedcomponent which can be placed in a mold such that the first materialbecomes over-molded by the material of the handle body 126. Thiscomponent of the boss 310, e.g., a drive insert (not shown), can includea hole passing through its center axis which has a cross-sectioncorresponding to the third section 238 of the stem 116. Alternatively,the drive insert or third section 238 can be, e.g., pressed into, weldedinto, glued, or secured by means other than over-molding. In someembodiments, one or more keyways (not shown) on an outer surface of thedrive insert along axial paths parallel to the vertical axis A₄ of thestem 116 can be used to secure the drive insert relative to the handlebody 126. The one or more keyways of the drive insert can correspond tokeyways manufactured into the coincident surface of the handle body 126(not shown).

The embodiment including the keyway(s) may be advantageous when keys aretailored to fail in shear at a given load applied to the handle body 126while rotating the valve internals, e.g., the stem 116 and the disc 112,of the butterfly valve 100. For example, the keys can be configured towithstand a predetermined amount of shear force which is less than theshear force the handle body 126 can withstand. Thus, when a forcegreater than the predetermined shear force is applied to the handle body126, rather than the handle body 126 failing in shear, one or more ofthe keys can fail in shear to prevent damage to the handle body 126. Inparticular, before the shear force the handle body 126 can withstand isreached, one or more of the keys can fail to prevent damage to thehandle body 126. In some embodiments, the keys can be, e.g., square,round, rectangular, or of any shape that allows the keys to resist shearloads generated by operation of the butterfly valve 100. In someembodiments, the geometry of the keys may be molded or manufactured intothe handle body 126 and/or the drive insert as an integral feature ofthe handle body 126 or drive insert of the boss 310. The boss 310further includes a step 312 protruding therefrom which can interlockrelative to the cog 124 of the body assembly 102 to limit the amount ofrotation permitted by the handle assembly 104.

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the handle body 126 defines a proximal end314 relative to the vertical axis A₁ and a distal end 316 positionedaway from the vertical axis A₁. The proximal end 314 defines asubstantially circular configuration. The distal end 316 can define asemi-round cross-section. However, it should be understood that in someembodiments, other configurations of the distal end 316 cross-sectioncan be used, e.g., square, round, rectangular, and the like. The distalend 316 can include a protrusion 318 which forms, e.g., a ring-like edgeat the furthest extremity of the distal end 316.

The handle body 126 can include a shrouding volume 321 which enclosesthe internals near the proximal end 314. In particular, the handle body126 can include a cavity 320 and a shrouding volume 321 extending alongthe bottom surface 302 of the handle body 126 such that the inner volumeof the handle body 126 can be substantially hollow and surrounded byside walls. The upper surface 300 of the proximal end 314 can includetwo protrusions 322 or notches extending therefrom parallel to thevertical axis A₁ and extending from an edge of the bottom surface 302 ofthe shrouded volume 321. Each of the two protrusions 322 can define aface that creates two rounded points 324 with a rounded bridging area326 bridging the points 324. Each of the two protrusions 322 can bepositioned approximately 180 degrees relative to each other along theouter surface of the proximal end 314. A plane (not shown) passingthrough both protrusions 322 would therefore be perpendicular to theaxis created by the length L₅ of the handle body 126. As the handleassembly 104 rotates the disc 112 relative to the body assembly 102, theprotrusions 322 can rotate and align relative to the visual indicators184 on the body indicator bezel 108 to indicate to a user the positionof the butterfly valve 100, e.g., a closed position, a fully openposition, or an angle or degree of a partially open position. Inparticular, the protrusions 322 or notches on the handle body 126 canpartially surround the visual indicators 184 on the body indicator bezel108 and can provide a greater visibility in indicating a preciseposition of the disc 112 relative to the body 106.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, the shrouded volume 321and/or cavity 320 of the handle body 126 can be configured anddimensioned to receive therein the force ring 128, the lever 130, thegrip 134 and the spring 136 of FIG. 1. The cross-section along thelength L₅ of the handle body 126 can vary accordingly to contain theinner components of the handle assembly 104, e.g., the force ring 128,the lever 130, the grip 134 and the spring 136. The handle body 126 alsoincludes pin holes 328 extending horizontally through the handle body126. In particular, the pin holes 328 can extend through the handle body126 along a plane (not shown) defined by the length L₅ of the handlebody 126. Further, a first pin hole 328 can extend through the handlebody 126 along a longitudinal axis A₈ and a second pin hole 328 canextend through the handle body 126 along a longitudinal axis A₉. Thelongitudinal axes A₈ and A₉ can be parallel relative to each other andperpendicular relative to the vertical axis A₁. The pin holes 328 can beconfigured and dimensioned to receive therein pivot pins 132 a and 132 bof FIG. 1 to create pivot points for the lever 130 and the grip 134,respectively, when assembled with the handle body 126. In particular,the pin 132 a can be used to create a pivot point for the lever 130 andthe pin 132 b can be used to create a pivot point for the grip 134. Thepivot pins 132 a and 132 b can also be used to secure the location ofthe lever 130 and the grip 134, respectively, relative to the handlebody 126 and/or relative to each other.

A length L₅ of the handle body 126 can be dimensioned such that a usercan apply a load to one end of the handle assembly 104, e.g., a distalend 316, and create a rotation of the stem 116 and disc 112 within thebody 106. In particular, the handle body 126 can be attached to the stem116 that intersects the body 106 and on the third section 238 of thestem 116 which extends beyond the outer envelope of the body 106. A loadcan be applied along the length L₅ of the handle body 126 at a distancefrom the vertical axis A₁, e.g., the butterfly valve 100 centerline,such that a moment can be created about the stem 116 axis, e.g., thevertical axis A₄. As the handle body 126 moves through an approximately90 degree arc, the stem 116 can rotate through a corresponding angle toposition the butterfly valve 100 in, e.g., an open position, a partiallyopen position, or a closed position. In some embodiments, the handlebody 126 can include designations 329 along the upper surface 300 on theproximal end 314 to indicate which direction the handle body 126 may berotated in to, e.g., open or close the butterfly valve 100. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 24, the designations 329 can be “OPEN” and“CLOSE” with arrows pointing in the appropriate direction of rotation toperform each action.

With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, bottom and top perspective views,respectively, of a first embodiment of an exemplary force ring 128 of abutterfly valve 100 are provided. The force ring 128 includes a verticalaxis A₁ passing centrally therethrough. The force ring 128 defines asubstantially circular outer surface 330 and includes a bore 332 or holepassing therethrough and centered along the vertical axis A₁, e.g., thecenterline for the stem 116. The force ring 128 includes radial patternof splines 334 along the bottom surface 336, e.g., protrusions, whichcan be configured and dimensioned to mate with the splines 288 of thecog 124 as discussed above. In some embodiments, the radial pattern ofsplines 334 can radially extend 360 degrees around the vertical axis A₁to allow spline 334 and 288 engagement between the force ring 128 andthe cog 124 around a full 360 degrees of contact. In some embodiments,the radial pattern of splines 334 can radially extend less than 360degrees. In some embodiments, the splines 288 of the cog 124 and thesplines 334 of the force ring 128 can overlap by a total of 50 degreesor more during operation.

Off a plane (not shown) parallel to the pattern of splines 334, theforce ring 128 can include a rectangular protrusion 338, such as anextrusion, encompassing the bore 332, e.g., a through hole, and boundedwithin the handle body 126. In some embodiments, the protrusion 338 canbe configured as a cylindrical protrusion. The rectangular protrusion338 can define an upper surface 340 of the force ring 128 and includestwo slots which trace an arc along and define the outer surface 330fillet of the protrusion 338. A second set of slots 342 or groovesfollow a similar path and are symmetrically canted across the centerplane of the original groove perpendicular to the face formed by thesplines 334. The resulting composite slots 342, e.g., side slots, definea depth of the original slot and a cross-sectional width that variesfrom its thinnest at the middle of the arc traced by the slot 342, e.g.,width W₂, and the widest at the extents of the slot 342, e.g., width W₃.The shape or configuration of the slots 342 facilitates the use ofcomponents associated with the lever 130, as will be discussed below, toengage and disengage the splines 334, e.g., mating grooves andprotrusions, between the cog 124 and the force ring 128.

The force ring 128 can thereby be implemented within the handle assembly104 to engage the cog 124 of the body assembly 102 and hinder therotation of the stem 116 while using the handle assembly 104 as part ofthe butterfly valve 100. The mating splines 334 between the cog 124 andthe force ring 128 facilitate positioning the butterfly valve 100 inopen, closed or intermediate positions. In some embodiments, the splines334 of the force ring 128 and the splines 288 of the cog 124 can mesh onthe opposing force ring 128 and the cog 334 by defining long splinefaces that are nearly perpendicular to the surface from which theyprotrude. In some embodiments, the splines 288 and/or 334 can beminimized to create a surface that relies on friction to maintain therelative rotational position of the force ring 128 relative to the cog124. In some embodiments, the splines 288 and/or 334 can mesh whiledefining a face that is inclined relative to the surface from which itextends. The inclined spline configuration can be used to allow movementof the force ring 128 and the cog 124 relative to each other by allowingthe user to lift the force ring 128 off the cog 124 to disengage thesplines 288 and 334 and to rotate the force ring 128 relative to the cog124 to vary a position of the disc 112. A distance between the forcering 128 and the cog 124 can thereby be varied to allow disengagement ofthe force ring 128 relative to the cog 124. When the desired position ofthe disc 112 has been achieved, the splines 288 and 334 of the forcering 128 and the cog 124 can be engaged by lowering the force ring 128onto the cog 124 to maintain the desired position of the disc 112.

In some embodiments, the splines 334 of the force ring 128 can bepositioned along a truncated conical shape of the force ring 128, whilethe cog 124 includes a mating female conical shaped counter bore withsplines 288. In some embodiments, the angle of the conical shape of theforce ring 128 and the cog 124 can be any angle, including 0 degrees,e.g., flat, in which case the force ring 128 and the cog 124 engagementsurfaces could be flat, and 90 degrees, e.g., vertical, in which casethe male force ring 128 could be cylindrical and the female cog 124could be a cylindrical counter bore. In some embodiments, the cog 124and the force ring 128 could be inverted, such that the cog 124 assumesa male truncated cone shape and the force ring 128 assumes a femaleconical shaped counter bore. In some embodiments, the splines 288 of thecog 124 and the splines 334 of the force ring 128 can be minimized ormodified to the point that the friction between the two mating surfacesholds the position of the handle assembly 104 relative to the bodyassembly 102.

In some embodiments, a rotational load can be supplied to the force ring128 via the handle body 126. One or more springs 136 of FIG. 1 can bepositioned between the handle body 126 and the force ring 128 tomaintain a biasing force for biasing the force ring 128 against the cog124. In particular, the force ring 128 can include one or more partialbores 344 located at the upper surface 340 of the force ring 128configured and dimensioned to receive a spring 136. The partial bores344 can extend partially into the force ring 128 to a distancesufficient to receive the spring 136 and can extend along vertical axesA₁₀ and A₁₁ positioned parallel to the vertical axis A₁ and radiallypositioned at approximately 180 degrees relative to each other andaround the vertical axis A₁. Thus, as the force ring 128 rotates, theinclined portions of the splines 334 can slide over each other andrelative rotational movement can be accomplished. The splines 334 canmesh with the splines 288 of the cog 124 due to the spring load createdby the springs 136 and the process can be repeated, as will be discussedbelow, as long as a sufficient load can be applied to the handleassembly 104 to disengage the force ring 128 from the cog 124. This“ratcheting” rotation accomplishes operation of the butterfly valve 100.

With reference to FIG. 28, a perspective view of a second embodiment ofan exemplary force ring 128′ of a butterfly valve 100 is provided. Theforce ring 128′ can be substantially similar to the force ring 128 ofFIGS. 26 and 27 in structure and function, except for the distinctionsdiscussed herein. It should be noted that the structures of the forcering 128′ which are similar to the structures of the force ring 128 ofFIGS. 26 and 27 are depicted in FIG. 28 with like reference charactersas those utilized in FIGS. 26 and 27. In particular, rather thanincluding slots 342 along the outer surface 330 for engaging componentsof a lever 130 of FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the force ring 128′ caninclude at least two protrusions 346′ extending from the outer surface330 of the force ring 128′ which can be engaged by complementarycomponents of the lever 130′ of FIG. 32. As will be discussed below, insome embodiments, rather than implementing integral protrusions 346′extending from the force ring 128′, removable force ring pins (notshown) can be used to secure the force ring 128′ to the lever 130′. Inaddition, the splines 334′ of the force ring 128′ of FIG. 28 can beslanted inward in the direction of the bore 332. It should be understoodthat in embodiments implementing the force ring 128′, the cog 124 caninclude complementary splines 288 or grooves for receiving the splines334′ of the force ring 128′ to allow meshing therebetween. For example,in some embodiments, a cog 124′ of FIG. 21 can be utilized inconjunction with the force ring 128′.

With reference to FIGS. 29-31, top and bottom perspective views of afirst embodiment of an exemplary lever 130 of a butterfly valve 100 areprovided. The lever 130 defines an upper surface 348 and a bottomsurface 350, as well as a proximal end 352 and a distal end 354. Theproximal end 352 can include the portion of the lever 130 which ispositioned closest to the vertical axis A₁ during assembly of thebutterfly valve 100 and the distal end 354 can include the portion ofthe lever 130 extending away from the vertical axis A₁ during assemblyof the butterfly valve 100.

The lever 130 includes two arms 356, e.g., fixed arms, extending fromthe body of the lever 130 and defining the proximal end 352 of the lever130. Each of the arms 356 can include a protrusion 358 extendingtherefrom along an inner surface of the arms 356. The protrusions 358can be configured and dimensioned to straddle and/or mesh with the sideslots 342 or grooves of the force ring 128 such that the force ring 128can be detachably interlocked relative to the lever 130 via, e.g., asnap fit. It should be understood that the space created between theprotrusion 358 on each arm 356 of the lever 130 can be configured anddimensioned slightly smaller than the diameter of the force ring 128 tocreate a force against the force ring 128 when the force ring 128 hasbeen interlocked with the arms 356 of the lever 130. The lever 130includes a pin hole 360 extending therethrough along a longitudinal axisA₁₂ which can be positioned substantially perpendicular to the verticalaxis A₁ of the force ring 128. Thus, when inserted within the handlebody 126, the pin hole 360 along the longitudinal axis A₁₂ can bealigned with the pin hole 328 along longitudinal axis A₈ of the handlebody 126 and a pivot pin 132 a can be used to intersect the pin hole 360and the pin hole 328 and secure the lever 130 relative to the handlebody 126.

At the distal end 354, the lever 130 can include a pin 362, e.g., amolded-in pin integrally molded into the body of the lever 130 anddefining a longitudinal axis A₁₃ substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis A₁₂ and perpendicular to the vertical axis A₁ of theforce ring 128. As will be described below, the pin 362 can be used tomate the lever 130 relative to the grip 134 of the handle assembly 104.The outer surfaces 364 of the sides of the lever 130, runningperpendicular to the pin hole 360, the sides of the arms 356, and thepin 362, can be configured and dimensioned to fit within the cavity 320of the handle body 126. In some embodiments, the surfaces parallel tothe direction of the pin hole 360, e.g., the pivot hole, can includediffering features. For example, the upper surface 348 of the lever 130can be essentially flat with indentations to facilitate manufacture ofthe lever 130. The opposing face, e.g., the bottom surface 350, caninclude a group of protruding ribs 365 which can aid in positioning thelever 130 relative to the force ring 128 and/or the cog 124.

In addition to the interlocking between the slots 342 of the force ring128 and the protrusions 358 of the lever 130, in some embodiments, anadditional interface between the lever 130 and the force ring 128 canaid in interlocking and/or aligning the force ring 128 relative to thelever 130. In particular, the lever 130 can include an interior space366 located between the arms 356 and where the yoke arms 356 meet thecenter of the lever 130 configured and dimensioned to receive thereinthe protrusion 338, e.g., an extrusion, of the force ring 128 extendingoff the outer surface 330 of the force ring 128. The protrusion 338 onthe force ring 128 can be positioned above the group of splines 334 andcan be centered between the slots 342 or grooves which mate with theprotrusions 358 of the lever 130.

The fit between the interior space 366 and the protrusion 338 can beessentially planar and close to minimize independent rotational movementof the lever 130 with respect to the force ring 128. The lever 130 canalso be fit closely to the interior cavity 320 of the handle body 126near the planar interface of the force ring 128 and the lever 130 tofacilitate creating a minimal amount of independent movement between thelever 130 and the handle body 126. In some embodiments, the lever 130can include a boss 363 protruding on each side of the lever 130. Theboss 363 can act as a centering means for centering or ensuring acorrect positioning of the lever 130 within the handle body 126. As willbe discussed below, the meshing of the components of the lever 130 andthe force ring 128 advantageously provides an interface between thelever 130 and the force ring 128 which substantially reduces the handlerotational load being transferred through the groove or pin arrangementused to apply a force from squeezing the grip 134 to disengage the cog124 and the force ring 128.

In some embodiments, additional holes or slots and additionalcomponents, e.g., a pin or a shaped component roughly corresponding to aslot in the force ring 128 (not shown) can be used to create aninterface for load transfer and mobility of the force ring 128 relativeto the rotation of the lever 130. In particular, and as will bediscussed below, the lever 130 can be mechanically interlocked relativeto the force ring 128 and the grip 134 to lift the force ring 128 off ofthe cog 124, thereby disengaging the mechanical ability of the forcering 128 and the cog 124 to impede rotation of the stem 116. In someembodiments, the lever 130 can lift the force ring 128 off of the cog124 while maintaining the force ring 128 in a substantially horizontalor level orientation relative to the cog 124, while allowing the yokeportion of the lever 130 and the lever 130 to travel in an arc centeredabout the pivot pin 132 a. The handle assembly 104 can then be used torotate the stem 116 and, thereby, the disc 112, to position thebutterfly valve 100 in, e.g., an open position, a closed position, orpartially open positions.

In some embodiments, alternative configurations of the lever 130 can beused to create a mechanically-interlocking interface relative to theforce ring 128. The alternative embodiments for the interface of theforce ring 128 and the lever 130 create different geometries that canfacilitate the same or an essentially similar result of moving the cog124 juxtaposed to the force ring 128 during engagement or disengagement.

With reference to FIG. 32, a perspective view of a second embodiment ofan exemplary lever 130′ of a butterfly valve 100 is provided forimplementation with, e.g., the force ring 128′ of FIG. 28. Inparticular, the lever 130′ can be used with force ring 128′ whichincludes a protrusion 346′ or similar structure for interlocking with amating structure located on the lever 130′. In some embodiments,secondary means such as a pin or a rivet (not shown) can be used toaffect the appropriate interface between the force ring 128′ and thelever 130′.

Similar to the lever 130 discussed above, the lever 130′ includes anupper surface 348′, a bottom surface 350′, a proximal end 352′ and adistal end 354′. The proximal end 352′ can include the portion of thelever 130′ which interlocks with the force ring 128′, while the distalend 352′ can include the portion of the lever 130′ which interlocks withthe grip 134. The lever 130′ also includes two arms 356′ protruding fromthe central body of the lever 130′ which create a semi-circular interiorspace 366′ therebetween for receipt of the force ring 128′. Each of thetwo arms 356′ includes a mating groove 368′, e.g., a yoke portion, atthe proximal end 352′ configured as, e.g., partially circular groovesconfigured and dimensioned to receive therein the protrusions 346′ ofthe force ring 128′ via a snap fit. The force ring 128′ and the lever130′ can thereby be interlocked relative to each other while allowingthe force ring 128′ to rotate about a longitudinal axis A₁₅′ passingthrough the mating grooves 368′. In some embodiments, the protrusions346′ can be positioned on the arms 356′ of the lever 130′ and the matinggrooves 368′ can be positioned on the force ring 128′. The protrusions346′ or pins can thereby extend inwardly from the arms 356′ and engagethe mating grooves 368′, e.g., holes or slots, in the force ring 128′.In some embodiments, rather than open mating grooves 368′, the arms 356′of the lever 130′ can include closed circular openings at the proximalend 352′ and the force ring 128′ can include complementary openings inplace of the protrusions 346′. The force ring 128′ can be positionedbetween the arms 356′ of the lever 130′ and the openings of the lever130′ and the force ring 128′ can be aligned. One or more non-integralpins can then be inserted through the openings to secure the force ring128′ relative to the lever 130′. The force ring 128′ can thereby bepinned to the lever 130′.

The lever 130′ includes a pin hole 360′ for alignment with the pin hole328 of the handle body 126 and for receipt of a pivot pin 132 a ofFIG. 1. The pin hole 360′ extends through the lever 130′ along alongitudinal axis A₁₃′ parallel to the longitudinal axis A₁₅′. Thedistal end 354′ of the lever 130′ includes a pin 362′ integrally moldedwith the lever 130′ which defines a longitudinal axis A₁₄′ extendingtherethrough. The pin 362′ can be used for mechanically interlocking thelever 130′ relative to the grip 134. In some embodiments, as will bediscussed below, the lever 130′ and the force ring 128′ may be joined atan interface to create one component.

With reference to FIGS. 33-35, side and top perspective views,respectively, of an exemplary grip 134 of a butterfly valve 100 areprovided. The grip 134 defines an upper surface 370, a bottom surface372, a proximal end 374 and a distal end 376. The proximal end 374 caninclude the portion of the grip 134 which mechanically interlocks withthe lever 130 and the distal end 376 can include the portion of the grip134 which can be depressed to actuate the lever 130 and the force ring128. The outer surface 378 of the grip 134 and, in particular, theconfiguration and dimensions of the upper surface 370 of the grip 134can be such that the grip 134 fits within the cavity 320 of the handlebody 126.

The proximal end 374 can include an arm 380 extending from the centralportion of the grip 134. The arm 380 can include a slot 382, e.g., asemi-circular opening, configured and dimensioned to at least partiallysurround the pin 362 of the lever 130 when the lever 130 and the grip134 are interlocked relative to each other. The slot 382 can include alongitudinal axis A₁₆ passing centrally therethrough which substantiallyaligns with the longitudinal axis A₁₄ of the pin 362 of the lever 130when the lever 130 and the grip 134 are interlocked relative to eachother. The upper surface 370 of the grip 134 includes a channel 384formed therein extending partially from the upper surface 370 to thebottom surface 372. The channel 384 includes a pin 386 extendingvertically in the channel 384 along a vertical axis A₁₇. The pin 386 canextend to a height slightly less than the upper surface 370 of the grip134. The pin 386 can be configured as substantially cylindrical and canbe dimensioned to receive thereon a spring 136 of FIG. 1. Thus, when thegrip 134 is positioned within the cavity 320 of the handle body 126, thespring 136 can maintain a load against the grip 134 such that a force bya user is necessary to compress the spring 136. By compressing thespring 136, the user can depress the grip 134 in the direction of thehandle body 126.

The bottom surface 372 along the distal end 376 of the grip 134 includesscallops 388 that reasonably match the contours of fingers on a hand ofa user operating the butterfly valve 100. The scallops 388 create acomfortable surface against which a user can provide a force to depressthe grip 134 relative to the handle body 126. In some embodiments, thegrip 134 can include a pin hole 390 located at a central portion of thegrip 134, e.g., between the proximal end 374 and the distal end 376. Thepin hole 390 can be aligned with the bore 328 along the longitudinalaxis A₉ of the handle body 126 and a pivot pin 132 b can be insertedthrough both the pin hole 390 and the bore 328 to create a pivot pointbetween the grip 134 and the handle body 126. The pivot point creates apivoting movement of the grip 134 in the handle body 126 as the grip 134is depressed against the spring 136.

In particular, the pivot point allows an operator or user to squeeze thegrip 134 along the bottom surface 372 when it is assembled in the handleassembly 104. The squeezing dynamic can be accomplished when a usergrips the handle assembly 104 and the palm of the hand comes across thebottom surface 372 of the grip 134. The fingers of the hand can wraparound the bottom surface 372 of the grip 134 and as the hand tightensagainst the grip 134, the grip 134 can be pulled into or squeezed intothe handle body 126 while compressing the internal spring 136. Squeezingof the grip 134 disengages the splines 288 of the cog 124 relative tothe splines 334 of the force ring 128 by pivoting the grip 134 at thelongitudinal axis A₁₈, which in turn causes the slot 382 to engage thepin 362 of the lever 130 and forces the lever 130 to pivot about thelongitudinal axis A₁₃. Pivoting of the lever 130 about the longitudinalaxis A₁₃ lifts the force ring 128 off of the cog 124 such that thehandle assembly 104 can be rotated relative to the cog 124. In someembodiments, the lever 130 can lift the force ring 128 off of the cog124 while maintaining the force ring 128 in a substantially horizontalor level orientation relative to the cog 124, while allowing the yokeportion of the lever 130 and the lever 130 to travel in an arc centeredabout the longitudinal axis A₁₃. Releasing of the grip 134 forces thespring 136 between the grip 134 and the handle body 126 to expand, whichpivots the grip 134 about the longitudinal axis A₁₈, which in turncauses the slot 382 to engage the pin 362 of the lever 130 and forcesthe lever 130 to pivot about the longitudinal axis A₁₃. The force ring128 can thereby be lowered against the cog 124 and the splines 288 ofthe cog 124 can interlock with the splines 334 of the force ring 128 tolock the handle assembly 104 and the disc 112 relative to the bodyassembly 102 in the desired position. In some embodiments, rather thanfully lifting the force ring 128 off of the cog 124, the force ring 128can be partially lifted off of the cog 124 such that the splines 288 ofthe cog 124 and the splines 334 of the force ring 128 can ratchet overeach other.

In some embodiments, the grip 134 includes one or more bores 392adjacent to the distal end 376 and scallops 388 strategically placed toallow a user to insert a lock or a similar device (not shown) to inhibitrotation of the grip 134 around its pivot point. For example, a lock canbe inserted into the bore 392 to prevent the grip 134 from beingdepressed into the handle body 126, thereby preventing the grip 134 frompivoting about the longitudinal axis A₁₈, which in turn prevents thelever 130 to pivot about the longitudinal axis A₁₃. The lock blocksmovement of the grip 134 into the handle body 126, thereby not allowingthe splines 288 of the cog 124 and the splines 334 of the force ring 128to be disengaged. Operation of the butterfly valve 100, e.g., changingthe position of the handle assembly 104 relative to the body assembly102, can thereby be prevented until the lock has been removed from thebore 392. Similarly, in some embodiments, the grip 134 includes one ormore slots 393, e.g., rectangular slots, oval slots, and the like,adjacent to the distal end 376 to allow a user to insert a wire and/orcable in place of or in combination with the lock discussed above toprevent depression of the grip 134 relative to the handle body 126.

With reference to FIG. 36, a perspective view of an exemplary spring 136of a butterfly valve 100 is provided. The spring 136 defines a verticalaxis A₁₉ centrally extending between the coils of the spring 136. Asdiscussed above, the spring 136 can be positioned between the handlebody 126 and the grip 134 onto the pin 386 of the grip 134 to create aforce between the handle body 126 and the grip 134. The force created bythe spring 136 can be used to disposition the grip 134 away from thehandle body 126 in a normal or expanded state of the spring 136.Expansion of the spring 136 forces the grip 134 away from the handlebody 126 and causes a rotation of the grip 134 about a pivot pin 132 bat the longitudinal axis A₁₈. Since the slot 382 of the grip 134surrounds the pin 362 of the lever 130, the lever 130 can be forced topivot by the pivoting grip 134 to keep the force ring 128 and the cog124 engaged when the grip 134 is not squeezed. The normal state of theforce ring 128 and cog 124 can thereby be in an engaged state. In someembodiments, secondary springs 136 can be positioned between the forcering 128 and the handle body 126, as described above. In someembodiments, the secondary springs 136 can be used between the forcering 128 and the handle body 126, as described above, instead of or incombination with the spring 136 between the grip 134 and the handle body126 to provide a load sufficient to engage the force ring 128 and thecog 124.

With reference to FIG. 37, a perspective view of an exemplary handlebezel 144 of a butterfly valve 100 is provided. The handle bezel 144 caninclude a vertical axis A₁ extending therethrough. As illustrated inFIG. 1, when the components of the body assembly 102 have beenassembled, the force ring 128, the lever 130, the grip 134 and thehandle body 126 can be assembled relative to the body assembly 102. Insome embodiments, one or more washers, e.g., a first washer 140 and asecond washer 142, can be positioned in the bore 304 of the handle body126 and a fastener 138 can be used to rotatably secure the handleassembly 104 relative to the body assembly 102. The handle bezel 144 canthen be positioned within the counter bore adjacent to the bore 304 ofthe handle body 126 to cover the fastener 138.

The handle bezel 144 can resemble a plug and can be configured as asubstantially round plate that fits within the counter bore of thehandle body 126. The handle bezel 144 functions to cover the fastener138 (e.g., a screw) which holds the handle assembly 104 to the stem 116.In some embodiments, the handle bezel 144 can also include informationprinted and/or molded on an upper surface 394 to identify the brand ofthe butterfly valve 100 and/or allow a customization of the butterflyvalve 100 to, e.g., identify the process the butterfly valve 100 may beused in, the materials in the butterfly valve 100, the age of thebutterfly valve 100, and the like (not shown). In some embodiments, thehandle bezel 144 can be customized to the point of containing anelectronic signature (not shown) for the butterfly valve 100. The bottomsurface 396 of the handle bezel 144 can include a radial protrusion 398extending therefrom. The radial protrusion 398 can be configured anddimensioned to detachably interlock the handle bezel 144 relative to thecounter bore of the handle body 126 via, e.g., a friction fit.

Turning now to FIG. 38, a perspective view of a body 106, a liner 110and a body indicator bezel 108 assembly is provided. In someembodiments, an assembly of the butterfly valve 100 begins withselection of the valve body 106. The size of the valve body 106 candictate the selection of the corresponding parts to complete theassembly. The size of the valve body 106 can be selected based on, e.g.,the intended use for the butterfly valve 100, the type of fluid to beused with the butterfly valve 100, the amount of fluid to be used withthe butterfly valve 100, and the like. The liner 110 can be placed inthe opening 148 of the body 106 such that the protrusion 151 of theinner surface 150 of the opening 148 corresponds to the central groove194 in the liner 110. The central position of the liner 110 relative tothe body 106 can thereby be maintained during operation of the butterflyvalve 100. The liner 110 can also be positioned circumferentially suchthat the first bore 166 and the second bore 178 of the body 106 alignwith the first bore 198 and the second bore 200 of the liner 110. Inaddition, the liner 110 and the body 106 can be assembled such that thevertical axis A₁ of the body 106 aligns with the vertical axis A₃ of theliner 110 and the longitudinal axis A₅ of the body 106 aligns with thelongitudinal axis A₆ of the liner 110. The body indicator bezels 108 canthen be assembled to the body 106 at grooves 164 on the mounting plate158 via, e.g., a snap fit.

With reference to FIG. 39, a perspective view of a partial disc 112assembly of a butterfly valve 100 is provided. In particular, and aspreviously shown in FIG. 13, seals 228, e.g., O-rings, can be installedinto the grooves 226 of the seal retainer 114. The seal retainer 114 canthen be placed into the second bore 214 of the disc 112 along thevertical axis A₁. The seal retainer 114 can be inserted into the secondbore 214 such that it is nearly flush or below the second region 210 ofthe disc 112, e.g., the outer envelope of the disc 112. Inserting theseal retainer 114 into the disc 112 before the disc 112 is positioned inthe body 106 prevents a need for a second bore 178 which passes throughthe thickness T₄ of the body 106 for installation of the seal retainer114 and reduces the number of components and features required toinclude a seal retainer 114 in the assembly. The lack of a through holealso reduces areas of potential leaks in the body 106. Thus, asdescribed above, the second bore 178 of the body 106 partially extendsthrough the thickness T₄ of the body 106.

With reference to FIGS. 40-42, perspective views of partial bodyassemblies 102 of a butterfly valve 100 are provided. Although thepartial body assemblies 102 of the butterfly valve 100 are shown in afully closed position, in some embodiments, the butterfly valve 100 canbe assembled in any position, e.g., a fully open position, a fullyclosed position, a partially open position, and the like. The partialdisc 112 assembly of FIG. 39, e.g., the disc 112 and the seal retainer114, can be installed into the liner 110 assembled with the body 106. Inparticular, the assembly of the disc 112, the liner 110 and the body 106can be performed with care to align the first and second bores 212 and214 of the disc 112 with the first and second bores 166 and 178 of thebody 106 and the first and second bores 198 and 200 of the liner 110. Inaddition, the disc 112 may be assembled with the liner 110 and the body106 such that the seal retainer 114 located within the disc 112 ispositioned adjacent to the second bore 178 of the body 106 opposite fromthe mounting plate 158. When correctly assembled, the vertical axes A₁,A₂ and A₃ of the body 106, the disc 112 and the liner 110, respectively,may be substantially aligned relative to each other, and thelongitudinal axes A₅, A₆ and A₇ of the body 106, the liner 110 and thedisc 112, respectively, may be substantially aligned relative to eachother. The action or step of installing the disc 112 within the liner110 can compress the liner 110 at the “top” and “bottom” portions nearthe first and second bores 198 and 200 where the liner 110 and the disc112 come into contact. In some embodiments, installing the disc 112within the liner 110 can compress the entire perimeter of the opening195 of the liner 110 due to the contact between the liner 110 and thedisc 112.

The stem 116 can be aligned with the body 106 such that the verticalaxis A₄ of the stem 116 substantially aligns with the vertical axes A₁,A₂ and A₃ of the body 106, the disc 112 and the liner 110, respectively.In some embodiments, the stem 116 can be specifically aligned to thedisc 112 prior to assembly such that an indicating mark (not shown) onthe third section 238 of the stem 116 extending externally from the body106 corresponds to a specific position of the face of the disc 112 withrespect to the flow through the line, e.g., the opening 148 of the body106. For example, the indicating mark (not shown) on the third section238 of the stem 116 can be substantially aligned with the plane createdby the outer perimeter 146 of the body 106, which can correspond to aclosed position of the disc 112 relative to the body 106.

As illustrated in FIGS. 40-42, the first section 234 of the stem 116 canbe slid into the body 106 through the first bore 166 of the body 106,through the first and second bores 198 and 200 of the liner 110, throughthe disc 112, and into the second bore 178 of the body 106. As the stem116 is passed through the body 106, the liner 110 and the disc 112, thehexagonal cross-section of the second section 236 of the stem 116 can bealigned with the hexagonal shaped bore 206 of the disc 112. The firstsection 234 of the stem 116 can be passed through the seal retainer 114and into the second bore 178 of the body 106. As the first section 234of the stem 116 is passed through the seal retainer 114, the first edge240 of the stem 116, e.g., the change in cross-section of the stem 116between the first section 234 and the second section 236, can contactthe first end of the seal retainer 114 inside the disc 112. Additionalforce can be exerted on the stem 116 to slide the stem 116 into thesecond bore 178 of the body 106, thereby exerting a force on the sealretainer 114 through the first edge 240 of the stem 116, causing theseal retainer 114 to translate in the second bore 214 of the disc 112.This translating action moves the seal retainer 114 towards the secondbore 178 of the body 106 through the second bore 200 of the liner 110.One of the seals 228 of the seal retainer 114 can thereby remain withinthe second bore 214 of the disc 112, while the second seal 228 of theseal retainer 114 can be aligned within the second bore 200 of the liner110 to form a seal with the liner 110. As the seal retainer 114 istranslated in this manner, the adjacent end of the stem 116, e.g., thefirst section 234, enters the second bore 178 in the lower portion ofthe body 106. Thus, rather than implementing a tool to position the sealretainer 114 within the disc 112 and the liner 110, the stem 116 can beused as described above. It should be understood that in someembodiments, the body 106 can include a through hole for insertion ofthe seal retainer 114 within the second bore 214 of the disc 112.

In some embodiments, the bearing 118, the gland 120 and the junk seal122 can then be inserted into body 106. Seals, e.g., O-rings, can beplaced into the grooves 264 on the bearing 118. The bearing 118 can thenbe oriented such that the first opening section 254 aligns with thehexagonal cross-section of the second section 236 of the stem 116 andthe cross-section of the third section 238 of the stem 116, e.g., thedrive section, aligns with the second opening section 256 of the bearing118. The bearing 118 can then be slid into the body 106 until it restswithin the first bore 166 of the body 106. In particular, the bearing118 can be slid into the body 106 until the edge 258 of the bearing 118,formed by a change in cross-section between the first and second openingsections 254 and 256, mates against the second edge 244 of the stem 116.In some embodiments, the cross-section of the opening 252 of the bearing118 can be constant and the bottom surface 262 of the bearing 118 canmate with the second edge 244 of the stem 116 in the disc 112. Once thebearing 118 has been positioned in the desired position within the disc112 and the body 106, the seals, e.g., O-rings, on the bearing 118establish a seal with the liner 110 and with the disc 112. Inparticular, one seal can be created between the bearing 118 and theliner 110, while a second seal can be created between the bearing 118and the first bore 212 of the disc 112.

In some embodiments, the gland 120 can be threaded into the first bore166 of the body 106 to retain the stem 116 within the body 106. As thegland 120 is threaded into the threaded second section 170 of the firstbore 166, the bottom surface 276 of the gland 120 contacts the exposedupper surface 260 of the bearing 118 and applies a load to the bearing118 to ensure that the stem 116 is fully retained within the body 106.The gland 120 thereby minimizes translation of the stem 116 within thebody assembly 102. In some embodiments, the gland 120 can be threadedinto the threaded second section 170 of the first bore 166 such that anangled side surface of the gland 120 is positioned against acomplementary angled inner surface of the threaded second section 170.In particular, the angled inner surface of the threaded second section170 can limit the depth to which the gland 120 can be threaded into thethreaded second section 170. Thus, rather than imparting a load againstthe bearing 118, the gland 120 can restrict the area in which thebearing 118 can translate and, in turn, restrict translation of the stem116 within the body assembly 102.

The junk seal 122 can be placed over the third section 238 of the stem116 by aligning the opening 280 of the junk seal 122 with thecross-section of the third section 238 of the stem 116 and can be movedto the corresponding third section 172 of the first bore 166 of the body106. For manual operation of the butterfly valve 100 with a handleassembly 104, the cog 124 can be placed into the fourth section 174 ofthe first bore 166 of the body 106 inside the mounting plate 158. Inparticular, the step 286 of the cog 124 can be aligned with the step 176within the mounting plate 158 to ensure that the cog 124 is correctlyplaced within the body assembly 102. In addition, the interactionbetween the step 286 of the cog 124 and the step 176 within the mountingplate 158 can minimize the ability of the cog 124 to rotate in the body106. As will be discussed in greater detail below, when the cog 124 withthe 135 degrees of material of the segment 298 and the handle body 126with the 135 degrees of material of the step 312 are assembled with thebody 106, the assembly can only take place such that the handle body 126is in one of two positions which are 180 degrees relative to each other.The segment 298 can thereby control the orientation of the handle body126 relative to the body 106. In some embodiments, the orientation ofthe handle body 126 relative to the body 106 can be regulated by theposition of the cog 124 relative to the body 106. For example, the cog124 can be rotated 180 degrees relative to the body 106 to repositionthe segment 298 relative to the body 106 by 180 degrees. The orientationof the handle body 126 relative to the body 106 can thereby also berepositioned by 180 degrees relative to the body 106 to interlock thesegment 298 of the cog 124 with the step 312 of the handle body 126.FIG. 43 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a body assembly 102 of abutterfly valve 100 as described above.

In some embodiments, after the body assembly 102 has been assembled, thehandle assembly 104 may be assembled to complete the butterfly valve100. Initially, a size of the handle body 126 may be chosen tocorrespond to the size of the body 106 being used. The componentscorresponding to the handle body 126 chosen can then be selected. Thesecomponents include the force ring 128, the lever 130, pivot pins 132 aand 132 b, the grip 134, the springs 136, the screws 138, the washers140 and 142, and the handle bezel 144.

With reference to FIG. 44, a perspective view of a first embodiment of aforce ring 128 and a lever 130 subassembly 400 is provided. The lever130 can be pressed onto the force ring 128 such that the slots 342 orgrooves in the force ring 128 correspond to the mating inwardprotrusions 358 along the inside surfaces of the arms 356 of the lever130. The protrusion 338 of the force ring 128 can also be aligned withinthe interior space 366 between the arms 356 of the lever 130. Theorientation of the force ring 128 can be such that the bottom surface336 of the force ring 128 with the splines 334 points in the samedirection as the ribs 365 on the bottom surface 350 of the lever 130. Insome embodiments, secondary springs 136 can be inserted into the partialbores 344 of the force ring 128 opposite of the splines 334.

In some embodiments, such as the force ring 128′ and the lever 130′ ofFIGS. 28 and 32, the assembly of the force ring 128′ and the lever 130′can be accomplished by inserting the protrusions 346′ or pins of theforce ring 128′ into the mating grooves 368′ on the arms 356′ of thelever 130′. A second embodiment of an exemplary subassembly 400′ of theforce ring 128′ relative to the lever 130′ is illustrated in FIGS. 45and 46. In some embodiments, such as those implementing separate pins(not shown) for mechanically interlocking the force ring 128 and thelever 130, pivot holes in the force ring 128 and the lever 130 can bealigned and pins can be inserted into the pivot holes to secure theforce ring 128 relative to the lever 130. The pins can fit tightly oneither the force ring 128 and/or the lever 130 and some clearance can beafforded on the interacting components to allow the splines 334 on theforce ring 128 to freely seat or align with the splines 288 on the cog124.

In some embodiments, rather than implementing separate components forthe force ring 128 and the lever 130, a single component can be used.For example, FIGS. 47 and 48 show perspective views of a thirdembodiment of an exemplary subassembly 400″ which includes a combinationof a force ring 128″ and a lever 130″ component. In particular, thesubassembly 400″ can be substantially similar in function as thesubassembly 400 of the force ring 128 and the lever 130. Thus, indescribing the subassembly 400″, the like structures will be describedwith like reference characters. The subassembly 400″ includes a forcering 128″ and a lever 130″ molded as one component. The force ring 128″includes an outer surface 330, a bore 332 extending therethrough,splines 334, bottom surface 336, and an upper surface 340. The lever130″ includes an upper surface 348, a bottom surface 350, a proximal end352 attached to the force ring 128″, a distal end 354, a pin hole 360, apin 362 molded into the distal end 354, an outer surface 364 and a rib365 extending from the bottom surface 350. Allowances can be made on theinner diameter of the bore 332 of the force ring 128″ portion such thatthe subassembly 400″ can travel in an arc centered about the pin hole360 without the inner diameter of the bore 332 engaging the mating boss310 of the handle body 126. For example, the inner diameter of the bore332 can be formed as an elliptical shape (not shown). Thus, rather thanassembling a force ring 128 and a lever 130, in some embodiments, asingle component combining the force ring 128″ and the lever 130″ can beimplemented. Although discussed herein with reference to the subassembly400, it should be understood that the subassembly 400′ or thesubassembly 400″ can be used in a similar manner.

With reference to FIGS. 49-51, perspective views of partial handleassemblies 104 are provided. In particular, FIG. 49 shows an assembly ofthe force ring 128, the lever 130 and the grip 134, and FIGS. 50 and 51show exploded and assembled perspective views of a first embodiment ofan assembly 104 of the handle body 126, the force ring 128, the lever130, the grip 134, the pivot pins 132 a and 132 b, and the spring 136.The subassembly 400 of the force ring 128, the lever 130 and,optionally, the springs 136 for the force ring 128, can be placed insidethe shrouding volume 321 and the cavity 320 of the handle body 126around the boss 310 which encloses the recess to receive the thirdsection 238 of the stem 116. While the position of the springs 136 ismaintained within the force ring 128, the grip 134, or both, the pivotor pin hole 360 in the lever 130 can be aligned with the nearest pivothole in the handle body 126, e.g., the pin hole 328. The pin hole 360 ofthe lever 130 and the pin hole 328 of the handle body 126 can be alignedsuch that the longitudinal axes A₈ and A₁₂ of the handle body 126 andthe lever 130, respectively, can be substantially aligned. A pivot pin132 a, e.g., the longest pivot pin 132 a of the assembly, can beinserted through one end of the pin hole 328 of the handle body 126,through the pin hole 360 in the lever 130, and into the remainingportion of the pin hole 328 of the handle body 126 on the opposite sideof the handle body 126.

The spring 136 corresponding to the grip 134 can then be installed ontothe pin 386 of the grip 134 and the grip 134 can be placed into thecavity 320 of the handle body 126 such that the pin 362 molded into thedistal end 354 of the lever 130 mates with the slot 382 on the arm 380of the grip 134. The grip 134 can be oriented relative to the handlebody 126 such that the scallops 388 on the bottom surface 372 of thegrip 134 for interface with the fingers of a user protrude from thehandle body 126 and the spring 136 of the grip 134 is positioned againstthe inner surface of the cavity 320 of the handle body 126. The pin hole390 of the grip 134 can then be aligned with the pin hole 328 of thehandle body 126 such that the longitudinal axes A₉ and A₁₈ of the handlebody 126 and the grip 134, respectively, can be substantially aligned. Apivot pin 132 b can be inserted into the pin hole 328 of the handle body126, through the pin hole 390 of the grip 134, and through the remainingportion of the pin hole 328 of the handle body 126 on the opposite sideof the handle body 126.

When assembled, squeezing the grip 134 against the handle body 126 canbe accomplished by wrapping a hand and applying an increasing forceround the handle body 126 and the grip 134 sufficient to compress thespring 136 positioned between the handle body 126 and the grip 134.Squeezing the grip 134 forces the grip 134 to pivot about thelongitudinal axis A₉ or A₁₈ which, in turn, forces the lever 130 topivot about the longitudinal axis A₈ or A₁₂, thereby moving the forcering 128 within the handle assembly 104. Release of the grip 134 causesthe spring 136 between the handle body 126 and the grip 134 to expand,creating an opposite pivoting effect of the lever 130 and the grip 134,thereby moving the force ring 128 to its normal position within thehandle assembly 104. It should be noted that the handle assembly 104design discussed herein protects the internal components of the handleassembly 104 from external effects. In particular, the internalcomponents of the handle assembly 104, such as the splines 334 of theforce ring 128, can be shielded by the handle body 126 from the effectsof the environment.

With reference to FIGS. 52 and 53, perspective exploded and assembledviews, respectively, of a second embodiment of a handle assembly 104′are provided. In particular, and as discussed above, in someembodiments, the handle assembly 104′ can include an insert 402 withkeys 404. The insert 402 can include a substantially circular outersurface 406 and a bore 408 extending therethrough along vertical axisA₁. The outer surface 406 of the insert 402 can also include a radialpattern of semi-circular keyways 410, e.g., four keyways 410, positionedrelative to the vertical axis A₁. The keyways 410 can be configured anddimensioned to receive therein the cylindrically shaped keys 404.Although the handle assembly 104′ is illustrated with four keys 404 andfour keyways 410, in some embodiments, the handle assembly 104′ caninclude any number of keys 404 and keyways 410, e.g., one, two, three,four, five, six, and the like. Further, although the keys 404 andcorresponding keyways 410 are illustrated as cylindrical, it should beunderstood that the keys 404 and corresponding keyways 410 can beconfigured in a variety of shapes, e.g., cylindrical, rectangular,square, triangular, hexagonal, and the like.

The handle body 126′ of the handle assembly 104′ can be substantiallysimilar in structure and function to the handle body 126 discussedabove, except for the distinctions discussed herein. Thus, likestructural elements are marked with like reference characters. Thehandle body 126′ includes an upper surface 300, a bottom surface 302, aproximal end 314 and a distal end 316. The handle body 126′ alsoincludes a cavity 320 and protrusions 322 on the proximal end 314 whichinclude points 324 and a bridging area 326. The handle body 126′ furtherincludes pin holes 328 to create pivot points for the lever 130 and thegrip 134, and the designations 329.

The handle body 126′ can include a boss 310′ with a bore 304′ passingtherethrough. The boss 310′ can also include a step 312′ extendingtherefrom for interlocking relative to the cog 124. The bore 304′ canfurther include a radial pattern of semi-circular keyways 327′configured and dimensioned to partially receive therein the keys 404.The insert 402 can be positioned within the bore 304′ such that thekeyways 410 of the insert 402 and the keyways 327′ of the bore 304 alignto form circular openings configured and dimensioned to receive the keys404. In some embodiments, the keys 404 and keyways 410 can be configuredin a variety of shapes, e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, square,triangular, hexagonal, and the like. The illustrative embodimentsdiscussed herein should therefore not be considered a limiting withrespect to the variety of configurations which can be implemented. Thekeys 404 can then be pressed into the keyways 410 and 327′ to fixate theinsert 402 within the bore 304′. The bore 408 of the insert 402 can beconfigured to match the cross-section of the third section 238 of thestem 116. The insert 402 can receive the third section 238 of the stem116 in the bore 408 and can be used to secure the stem 116 relative tothe handle body 126′. The handle body 126′ can be further assembled withthe force ring 128, the lever 130, the grip 134, the pivot pins 132 aand 132 b, and the spring or springs 136, as described above. Inparticular, a spring 136 can be positioned between the grip 134 and thehandle body 126′ to generate a force which maintains the grip 134 pushedin a direction away from the handle body 126′, requiring depression ofthe grip 134 and the spring 136 to reposition the force ring 128.

As described above, the handle body 126′ can be designed to allow theuse of an insert 402 with keyways 410 containing keys 404 or key stock.For example, excessive handle body 126′ deflection during operation orthe breakage of the handle body 126′ during operation can confuse orfrustrate operators. One or more keyways 410 between the handle body126′ and the components inserted therein can be used to limitdetrimental operation of the handle assembly 104′. Excessive operatingforces applies to the handle assembly 104′ can cause torsion failure tothe stem 116, breakage of the disc 112, breakage of the handle body126′, breakage of the cog 124 and/or breakage to the mechanism withinthe handle assembly 104′. Failure of one or more keys 404 between thehandle body 126′ and the components inserted therein can be set at aforce level designed to otherwise protect more costly components of thehandle assembly 104′ during operation. Although illustrated ascylindrical, in some embodiments, the keys 404 can be, e.g., square,rectangular, round, and the like, and can be dimensioned of a lengthdesigned to allow the keys 404 to fail at desired limits.

In some embodiments, the handle assembly 104 can then be attached to thebody assembly 102. In some embodiments, this can be performed by movingthe disc 112 to a position between a fully closed and a fully openposition, e.g., a partially open position. As discussed above, the boss310 of the handle body 126 includes a step 312 or protrusion whichextends approximately 135 degrees relative to the boss 310. The boss 310can be used to limit the rotation of the handle assembly 104 relative tothe body assembly 102 to 90 degrees of operation between the fullyclosed and the fully open positions. The step 312 can be aligned suchthat it fits within the partial bore 290 adjacent to the partial outerbore 294 and press fit or aligned with the segment 298 of the cog 124.The step 312 thereby passes through the bulk of the thickness of the cog124 and leads the alignment of the handle assembly 104 into the bodyassembly 102. The second bore section 308 of the bore 304 (oralternatively the drive bore 408 of the insert 402) can receive thethird section 238 of the stem 116 therein. It should be understood thatwhen the cog 124 with the 135 degrees of material of the segment 298 andthe handle body 126 with the 135 degrees of material of the step 312 areassembled with the body 106, the assembly can only take place such thatthe handle body 126 is in one of two positions which are 180 degreesrelative to each other. The grip 134 of the handle assembly 104 canthereby be aligned with the disc 112 position and generally cannot bemistakenly misaligned relative to the body assembly 102 duringinstallation or subsequent removal and replacement of the handleassembly 104.

As the handle assembly 104 is placed onto the stem 116 and loweredagainst the body assembly 102, the splines 334 of the force ring 128 andthe splines 288 of the cog 124 can contact each other and interlock. Inparticular, slight rotational movement of the handle assembly 104relative to the body assembly 102 can ensure that the splines 288 and334 have overlapped or meshed. Next, a fastener 138, e.g., a screw, andfirst and second washers 140 and 142 can be positioned into the counterbore above the bore 304 of the handle body 126. One of the first and/orsecond washers 140 can be a lock washer. The fastener 138 can then betightened into the threaded hole 246 of the stem 116 to secure thehandle assembly 104 to the body assembly 102. The assembly of thebutterfly valve 100 can be completed by the addition of the handle bezel144. In some embodiments, markings, tagging and/or labeling of thebutterfly valve 100 can be added. The grip 134 can be squeezed to liftthe force ring 128 off of the cog 124, thereby disengaging the splines288 of the cog 124 and the splines 334 of the force ring 128, such thatthe handle assembly 104 can be rotated relative to the body assembly 102to rotate the disc 112 through its full range of intended motion, e.g.,to position the butterfly valve 100 into a fully closed position, afully open position, or an angle at a partially open position. In someembodiments, the lever 130 can lift the force ring 128 off of the cog124 while maintaining the force ring 128 in a substantially horizontalor level orientation relative to the cog 124, while allowing the yokeportion of the lever 130 and the lever 130 to travel in an arc centeredabout the longitudinal axis A₁₂.

With reference to FIGS. 54-56, perspective views of an assembledbutterfly valve 100 are provided. In particular, FIG. 54 shows thebutterfly valve 100 positioned in a fully open position, FIG. 55 showsthe butterfly valve 100 positioned in a partially open position, andFIG. 56 shows the butterfly valve 100 positioned in a fully closedposition. When assembled, the vertical axes A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₄ of thecomponents of the butterfly valve 100 can be substantially aligned.Similarly, the longitudinal axes A₅, A₆ and A₇ of the components of thebutterfly valve 100 can be substantially aligned. As can be seen fromFIGS. 54-56, as the handle assembly 104 and the disc 112 are rotatedrelative to the body assembly 102, the protrusions 322 on the handlebody 126 align with the visual indicators 184 on the body indicatorbezel 108 to indicate the angle or position of the disc 112 relative tothe body 106. FIG. 57 illustrates a detailed view of the protrusions 322on the handle body 126 aligned with the visual indicators 184 on thebody indicator bezel 108.

With reference to FIG. 58, in some embodiments, the butterfly valve 100can include a position indication system with sensors. In particular,the body assembly 102 can include a body indicator bezel 108′ with aplurality of sensors 184′ positioned thereon. As the handle assembly 104rotates the disc 112 relative to the body assembly 102, a target 185′can be moved over the sensors 184′. When the disc 112 has beenpositioned in the desired orientation relative to the body assembly 102,the sensor 184′ aligned with the target 185′ can provide a signalresponse output corresponding to the position of the butterfly valve100.

With reference to FIGS. 59 and 60, cross-sectional views of thebutterfly valve 100 are provided. In particular, FIG. 59 shows thebutterfly valve 100 in a locked position, e.g., the grip 134 isuncompressed, the spring 136 is expanded, and the force ring 128 and thecog 124 are interlocked relative to each other. The position of thebutterfly valve 100 as shown in FIG. 59 can be the normal position ofthe butterfly valve 100, thus preventing undesired movement of the disc112. FIG. 60 shows the butterfly valve 100 in an unlocked position,e.g., the grip 134 is compressed in the direction of the handle body126, the spring 136 has been compressed due to the force on the grip134, and the force ring 128 has been lifted off of the cog 124 such thatthe handle assembly 104 can rotate the disc 112 relative to the bodyassembly 102. The position of the butterfly valve 100 as shown in FIG.60 can be the squeezed position.

One goal of operation of the butterfly valve 100 can be to control theposition of the disc 112 within the butterfly valve 100 for the purposeof altering the rate of flow of a fluid through the butterfly valve, upto and including a closed position. Operating the butterfly valve 100with a handle assembly 104 can be accomplished by first squeezing thegrip 134 of the handle assembly 104 such that the stem 116 and the disc112 can be rotated about the vertical axis A₁. Since the position of thehandle assembly 104 is aligned with the position of the faces of thedisc 112 during assembly of the butterfly valve 100, the position of thedisc 112 with respect to the flow line can be inferred by the positionof the handle assembly 104.

The handle body 126 can act as a rough position indicator since thelength L₅ extension of the handle body 126 can generally be aligned tothe face of the disc 112. In some embodiments, visual indicators 184 onthe body indicator bezel 108 positioned on the mounting plate 158 of thebody 106 and protrusions 322 on the handle body 126 can be aligned toindicate a position of the disc 112. The handle body 126 can alsoinclude designations 329 indicating the direction of rotation of thehandle assembly 104 to move the butterfly valve 100 into a closed oropen position (or to reduce or increase the flow passing through thebutterfly valve 100). The splines 288 on the cog 124 and the splines 334on the force ring 128 can be spaced such that discrete and repeatablerotation of the disc 112 to particular positions can be accomplished. Insome embodiments, when friction is used to hold the cog 124 and theforce ring 128 relative to each other, rotation of the disc 112 tospecific locations can be dependent on the user.

While the handle assembly 104 discussed herein has been implemented fora butterfly valve 100, it should be understood that the handle assembly104 can be adapted for any quarter turn valve (not shown). In someembodiments which utilize the spline interface between the cog 124 andthe force ring 128, a position of the handle assembly 104 can bepositioned in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis A₁ and can beused on any valve that requires less than a quarter of a turn to operateor more than a quarter of a turn to operate.

In some embodiments, the operation of the butterfly valve 100 can beaccomplished without or in combination with the use of the cog 124 andthe handle assembly 104 by incorporating manual, powered or automaticquarter turn actuators (not shown). For example, if the butterfly valve100 is not to be operated with a handle assembly 104, the body assembly102 can be assembled without the cog 124 and an alternative method ofoperation of the butterfly valve 100 can be used, e.g., a worm gear (notshown). A variety of worm gears can be used which provide the quarterturn movement needed for the butterfly valve 100. Three primary featuresof the worm gear can affect the assembly of the butterfly valve 100. Theworm gear generally includes a recess in its drive center that can bematched or adapted to the third section 238 of the stem 116. The housingof the worm gear can include a pattern of holes designed to match thepattern of holes in the mounting plate 258 of the body 106. The gearcapacity can be selected for the torsion operational load required bythe butterfly valve 100. In some embodiments, other devices (not shown),e.g., electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuators, which provide aquarter turn movement (or other specific extent of movement above orbelow the quarter turn movement of the stem 116 and the disc 112) canalso be used in conjunction with the mounting plate 258 of the body 106.It should be noted that since the cog 124 can be removed from thebutterfly valve 100, the valve stops can also be removed. Thus, when thebutterfly valve 100 requires operation with a mechanism other than ahandle assembly 104, e.g., power actuators, automatic actuators, and thelike, the handle assembly 104 can be removed to facilitate a simplemounting of the actuator to the stem 116 (not shown). The butterflyvalve 100 discussed herein can thereby be manually and/or automaticallypositioned in a fully open position, a fully closed position, or at adesired angle for a partially open position.

Turning now to FIG. 61, an exploded, perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a butterfly valve and a locking cap assembly 500(hereinafter “butterfly valve 500”) is provided. The butterfly valve 500includes a body assembly 102 substantially similar to the body assembly102 discussed above and a locking cap assembly 502 mechanicallyconnected relative to each other. As discussed above, the body assembly102 includes a body 106, a body indicator bezel 108, a liner 110, a disc112, a seal retainer 114, a stem 116, a bearing 118, a gland 120, a junkseal 122 and a cog 124. The locking cap assembly 502 includes a lockingcap 504, a cap bezel 506 and a fastener 508 (e.g., a screw), each ofwhich will be discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments,the locking cap assembly 502 can include one or more washers (not shown)similar to the first and second washers 140 and 142 of FIG. 1.

Still with reference to FIG. 61, when assembled, the body 106, the bodyindicator bezel 108, the cog 124, the locking cap 504, the cap bezel 506and the fastener 508 can be aligned along vertical axis A₁. Similarly,when assembled, the disc 112, the seal retainer 114, the bearing 118,the gland 120 and the junk seal 122 can be aligned along vertical axisA₂, and vertical axis A₂ can be aligned relative to the vertical axisA₁. Further, when assembled, the vertical axis A₃ of the liner 110 andthe vertical axis A₄ of the stem 116 can be aligned relative to thevertical axis A₁.

In some embodiments, all or some of the components of the butterflyvalve 500 can be fabricated from, e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC),chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), glass-filled polypropylene, andthe like. In some embodiments, additional materials selected for theirstrength and/or dimensional stability, e.g., glass-filled polyethermide(PEI), can be used in the cog 124 or the locking cap 504. The design ofthe butterfly valve 500 discussed herein should not be limited to thefield of thermoplastics and can be adapted to products constructed frommetal or other materials. In some embodiments, the liner 110 can befabricated from an elastomeric material, e.g., an ethylene propylenediene monomer (EPDM), a fluoropolymer elastomer (FPM), a nitrile rubber(NBR), materials with resiliency of elastomers, materials with more orless resiliency than elastomers, and the like.

With reference to FIGS. 62 and 63, top and bottom perspective views,respectively, of an exemplary locking cap 504 are provided. Althoughdiscussed herein as implemented with a butterfly valve 500, it should beunderstood that the locking cap 504 can be implemented with a variety ofvalves, e.g., butterfly valves, ball valves, and the like. The lockingcap 504 can include an upper surface 510 and a bottom surface 512. Thelocking cap 504 also includes an outer surface 514 and an inner surface516. The inner surface 516 forms a cavity 518 on the bottom surface 512of the locking cap 504. The outer surface 514 can define a conicalfrustum shape at the upper surface 510 of the locking cap 504. Adiameter D₁₈ of the frustum shape can be larger than a height H₁ of thelocking cap 504. A diameter D₁₉ at the bottom surface 512 of the lockingcap 504 can be greater than the diameter D₁₈ at the upper surface 510 ofthe locking cap 504.

The bottom surface 512 and, in particular, the inner surface 516 of thecavity 518, includes a radial pattern of splines 520 positioned relativeto the vertical axis A₁ configured and dimensioned to correspond ormatch the splines 288 of the cog 124. In some embodiments, the radialpattern of splines 520 can radially extend 360 degrees around thevertical axis A₁ to create a spline 520 engagement around a fullcircumference of the locking cap 504. In some embodiments, the radialpattern of splines 520 can radially extend less than 360 degrees. Insome embodiments, the splines 288 of the cog 124 and the splines 520 ofthe locking cap 504 can overlap by a total of 360 degrees or less duringoperation. The locking cap 504 further includes a boss 522 radiallycentered on the bottom surface 512 relative to the vertical axis A₁which corresponds to the centerline or vertical axis A₄ of the stem 116.The center of the locking cap 504 includes a bore 524 extendingtherethrough. The bore 524 includes a first bore section 526 with acircular cross-section at the upper surface 510 of the locking cap 504and a second bore section 528 with a cross-section matching thecross-section of the third section 238 of the stem 116 at the bottomsurface 512 of the locking cap 504.

The second bore section 528 allows the locking cap 504 to be secured tothe stem 116 and the first bore section 526 allows the passage of thefastener 508 therethrough to fasten the locking cap 504 to the stem 116.It should be understood that as the locking cap 504 is fastened to thestem 116, the splines 520 of the locking cap 504 can engage the splines288 of the cog 124 to prevent rotation of the disc 116 within the body106. The locking cap 504 thereby secures the position of the stem 116and the disc 116 relative to the body 106. A step 530 protruding fromthe boss 522 can radially extend approximately 135 degrees relative tothe vertical axis A₁ and can be configured and dimensioned to beinserted within the partial bore 290 and against the segment 298 of thecog 124 to prevent rotation of the cog 124.

A counter bore 532 located on the upper surface 510 of the locking cap504 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein a cap bezel506, which will be described in detail below. The counter bore 532includes a protrusion 534, e.g., a lock boss, which extends in adirection parallel to the vertical axis A₁ and which passes through acorresponding opening in the cap bezel 506 when the cap bezel 506 isattached to the locking cap 504. The protrusion 534 includes a hole 536passing therethrough perpendicular to the vertical axis A₁. A positionof the hole 536 in the protrusion 534 can be close to the cap bezel 506when the cap bezel 506 is positioned in the counter bore 532. The hole536 can be configured and dimensioned to receive a lock (see, e.g.,FIGS. 65-67), e.g., a pad lock, a lock out tag out device, or any otherdevice available to restrict removal of the locking cap 504, the capbezel 506 and/or the fastener 508. The cap bezel 506 cannot be removedto expose the top of the fastener 508 until a user removes the lock (notshown) to remove the bezel 506 and the fastener 508, thereby allowingthe splines 288 of the cog 124 to be disengaged from the splines 520 ofthe locking cap 504. Thus, undesired operation of the butterfly valve500 can be prevented. In some embodiments, rather than a protrusion 534,holes in the locking cap 504 can be used to fasten the locking cap 504to the mounting plate 158 on the body 106 (see, e.g., FIGS. 68 and 69).

The outer surface 514 of the locking cap 504 can include one or moreprotrusions 538 extending therefrom parallel to the vertical axis A₁ andextending from an edge of the bottom surface 512. Each of theprotrusions 538 can define a face that creates two rounded points 540with a rounded bridging area 542 bridging the points 540. In embodimentsincluding two protrusions 538, the protrusions 538 can be positionedapproximately 180 degrees relative to each other along the outer surface514 of the locking cap 504. The locking cap 504 can be positioned ontothe body assembly 102 such that the protrusions 538 align relative tothe visual indicators 184 on the body indicator bezel 108 to indicate toa user the position of the butterfly valve 500, e.g., a fully closedposition, a fully open position, or an angle or degree of a partiallyopen position.

With reference to FIG. 64, a perspective view of an exemplary cap bezel506 of a butterfly valve 500 is provided. The cap bezel 506 can includea vertical axis A₁ extending therethrough. As illustrated in FIG. 61,when the components of the body assembly 102 have been assembled, thelocking cap 504 can be assembled with the body assembly 102. In someembodiments, one or more washers (not shown) can be positioned in thecounter bore 532 of the locking cap 504 and a fastener 550 can be usedto secure the locking cap assembly 502 relative to the body assembly102. The cap bezel 506 can then be positioned within the counter bore532 of the locking cap 504 to cover the fastener 508.

The cap bezel 506 can resemble a plug and can be configured as asubstantially round plate that fits within the counter bore 532 of thelocking cap 504. The cap bezel 506 functions to cover the fastener 508,e.g., a screw, which holds the locking cap 504 to the body assembly 102.In some embodiments, the cap bezel 506 can also include informationprinted and/or molded on an upper surface 544 to identify the brand ofthe butterfly valve 500 and/or allow a customization of the butterflyvalve 500 to, e.g., identify the process the butterfly valve 500 may beused in, the materials in the butterfly valve 500, the age of thebutterfly valve 500, other valve identification, and the like (notshown). In some embodiments, the cap bezel 506 can be customized to thepoint of containing an electronic signature (not shown) for thebutterfly valve 500. The bottom surface 546 of the cap bezel 506 caninclude a radial protrusion 548 extending therefrom. The radialprotrusion 548 can be configured and dimensioned to detachably interlockthe cap bezel 506 relative to the counter bore 532 of the locking cap504 via, e.g., a friction fit. The cap bezel 506 includes an opening 550passing from the upper surface 510 to the bottom surface 512 configuredand dimensioned to accommodate the passing of the protrusion 534 of thelocking cap 504 when the cap bezel 506 is positioned onto the lockingcap 504.

Thus, rather than using a lock (see, e.g., FIGS. 65-67) passed throughthe bore 392 of the grip 134 to prevent movement or squeezing of thegrip 134 within the handle body 126, in some embodiments, the handleassembly 104 can be removed from the butterfly valve 100 and the lockingcap 504 and cap bezel 506 can be secured to the body assembly 102 tofixate the stem 116 and the disc 112 at a desired position, e.g., fullyopen, fully closed, or partially open at a particular angle. Forexample, a user can initially operate the butterfly valve 100 with ahandle assembly 104 or the other means of operation described above toposition the stem 116 and the disc 112 at a desired position relative tothe body 106. The handle assembly 104 can then be removed from the bodyassembly 102 and can be replaced with the locking cap 504, the fastener508 and the cap bezel 506. A lock (not shown) can be secured through thehole 536 of the locking cap 504 to prevent removal of the cap bezel 506,the fastener 508 and/or the locking cap 504. Thus, without disassemblyof or damage to the locking cap assembly 502 and replacement of thehandle assembly 104, the locking cap 504 can prevent rotation of thestem 116 and disc 112 relative to the body 106.

With reference to FIGS. 65-67, perspective and cross-sectional views ofa butterfly valve 500 are provided. In particular, FIG. 65 shows aperspective view of a butterfly valve 500 in a fully closed position,including a cap 504 engaged with the cog 124. As described above, theprotrusions 538 on the locking cap 504 are shown aligned with the visualindicators 184 of the body indicator bezel 108 to indicate that thebutterfly valve 500 is in a closed position. FIG. 66 shows across-sectional view of the butterfly valve 500 of FIG. 65 along theplane 66-66. FIG. 67 shows a perspective view of the butterfly valve 500in a fully open position. As described above, the protrusions 538 on thelocking cap 504 are shown as rotated and aligned with the visualindicators 184 of the body indicator bezel 108 to indicate that thebutterfly valve 500 is in an open position. Although illustrated in theopen and closed positions, it should be understood that the butterflyvalve 500 can also be positioned in intermediate positions, e.g.,partially open positions. As discussed above and as shown in FIGS.65-67, in some embodiments, a lock 552, e.g., a pad lock, a lock out tagout device, a cable, a wire, and the like, can be inserted through thehole 536 in the protrusion 534 of the locking cap 504 to restrictremoval of the locking cap 504, the cap bezel 506 and/or the fastener508.

Turning to FIGS. 68 and 69, a top, perspective views of a secondembodiment of a locking cap 600 is provided. In particular, FIG. 68shows the locking cap 600 and FIG. 69 shows the locking cap 600positioned onto a body assembly 102 of a butterfly valve 100. Thelocking cap 600 can include an upper surface 602 and a bottom surface604. The locking cap 600 also includes an outer surface 606 and an innersurface (not shown). It should be understood that the inner surface ofthe locking cap 600 can be structured substantially similarly to theinner surface 516 of the locking cap 504 of FIGS. 62 and 63. Inparticular, the inner surface of the locking cap 600 can form a cavityon the bottom surface 604. The outer surface 606 can define a conicalfrustum shape at the upper surface 602 of the locking cap 600. Adiameter D₂₀ of the frustum shape can be larger than a height H₂ of thelocking cap 600. A diameter at the bottom surface 604 of the locking cap600 can be greater than the diameter D₂₀ at the upper surface 602 of thelocking cap 600.

Similar to the locking cap 504 described above, the bottom surface 604and, in particular, the inner surface of the cavity of the locking cap600 can include a radial pattern of splines positioned relative to thevertical axis A₂₀ configured and dimensioned to correspond or match thesplines 288 of the cog 124. In some embodiments, the radial pattern ofsplines can radially extend 360 degrees around the vertical axis A₂₀ tocreate a spline engagement around a full circumference of the lockingcap 600. In some embodiments, the radial pattern of splines can radiallyextend less than 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the splines 288 ofthe cog 124 and the splines of the locking cap 600 can overlap by atotal of 360 degrees or less during operation. In some embodiments,rather than or in combination with splines, the locking cap 600 caninclude one or more male or female members configured to correspond tocomplementary one or more male or female members on the cog 124. Thelocking cap 600 further includes a boss (not shown) radially centered onthe bottom surface 604 relative to the vertical axis A₂₀ whichcorresponds to the centerline or vertical axis A₄ of the stem 116. Thecenter of the locking cap 600 includes a bore 608 extendingtherethrough. The bore 608 includes a first bore section 610 with acircular cross-section at the upper surface 602 of the locking cap 600and a second bore section (not shown) with a cross-section matching thecross-section of the third section 238 of the stem 116 at the bottomsurface 604 of the locking cap 600.

The second bore section can allow the locking cap 600 to be secured tothe step 116 and the first bore section 610 can allow the passage of afastener, e.g., fastener 508, a screw, and the like, therethrough tofasten the locking cap to the stem 116. It should be understood that asthe locking cap 600 is fastened to the stem 116, the splines of thelocking cap 600 can engage the splines 288 of the cog 124 to preventrotation of the disc 116 within the body 106. The locking cap 600thereby secures the position of the stem 116 and the disc 116 relativeto the body 106. A step (not shown) protruding from the boss on thebottom surface 604 of the locking cap 600 can radially extendapproximately 135 degrees relative to the vertical axis A₂₀ and can beconfigured and dimensioned to be inserted within the partial bore 290and against the segment 298 of the cog 124 to prevent rotation of thecog 124.

The outer surface 606 of the locking cap 600 can include one or moreprotrusions 612 extending therefrom parallel to the vertical axis A₂₀and extending from an edge of the bottom surface 604. Each of theprotrusions 612 can define a face that creates two rounded points 616with a rounded bridging area 618 bridging the points 616. In embodimentsincluding two protrusions 612, the protrusions 612 can be positionedapproximately 180 degrees relative to each other along the outer surface606 of the locking cap 600. The locking cap 600 can be positioned ontothe body assembly 102 such that the protrusions 612 align relative tothe visual indicators 184′ on the body indicator bezel 108′ to indicateto a user the position of the disc 112 relative to the body 106, e.g., afully closed position, a fully open position, an angle or degree of apartially open position, and the like. The body indicator bezel 108′ ofFIG. 69 can be substantially similar to the body indicator bezel 108discussed above. In some embodiments, rather than indicating a closedposition with a “C”, the body indicator bezel 108′ can define a closedposition with an “S” representing stopping flow. In some embodiments,the locking cap 600 can include an eyelet 618 extending from the bottomsurface 604 between the two protrusions 612. The eyelet 618 includes abore 620 passing therethrough in a direction parallel to the verticalaxis A₂₀. In some embodiments, when the locking cap 600 is positionedonto the body 106, the eyelet 618 can be used to pass a fastener, e.g.,a screw, through the bore 620 and into a corresponding threaded hole 162on the mounting plate 158 to secure the locking cap 600 to the body 106.

The upper surface 602 of the locking cap 600 can include a raised edge622 and a counter bore 624 located within the raised edge 622 perimeter.The counter bore 624 can be configured and dimensioned to receivetherein a cap bezel 632 (see, e.g., FIG. 69) to cover the fastenerwithin the bore 608. In some embodiments, the cap bezel 632 can be pressfit within the counter bore 624 of the locking cap 600. The counter bore624 includes a blind slot 626, e.g., a rectangular slot, an oval slot,and the like, that extends in a direction parallel to the vertical axisA₂₀. In some embodiments, the protrusion 628 can be molded directly tothe locking cap 600 and can extend through the opening 634 of the capbezel 632. The protrusion 628 can further pass through a correspondingopening 634 in the cap bezel 632 when the cap bezel 632 is attached tothe locking cap 600. The protrusion 628 includes a hole 630 passingtherethrough perpendicular to the vertical axis A₂₀. A position of thehole 630 in the protrusion 628 can be close to the cap bezel 632 whenthe cap bezel 632 is positioned in the counter bore 624. The hole 630can be configured and dimensioned to receive a lock 636, e.g., a padlock, and/or a cable or wire to restrict removal of the locking cap 600,the cap bezel 632 and/or the fastener. Thus, the cap bezel 632 cannot beremoved to expose the top of the fastener within the bore 608 until auser removes the lock 636 to remove the cap bezel 632, the fastener andthe locking cap 600, thereby allowing the splines 288 of the cog 124 tobe disengaged from the splines of the locking cap 600. Undesiredoperation of the butterfly valve can thereby be prevented. Alternativelyor in combination with the lock 636, the eyelet 618 on the locking cap600 can be used to further secure the locking cap 600 to the mountingplate 158 of the body 106.

With reference to FIG. 70, an exploded, perspective view of a thirdembodiment of a handle assembly 638, e.g., a through-grip handleassembly design, is provided which can be implemented with the bodyassembly 102 for actuation of the butterfly valve 100. The handleassembly 638 can include a handle body 640, a lever/grip 642, a forcering 128 (discussed above), a pin 646 and a spring 136 (discussedabove).

FIGS. 71 and 72 show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, ofa handle body 640. As noted above, the handle body 640 can be part ofthe handle assembly 638 which can be implemented with the body assembly102 for actuating the butterfly valve 100. The handle body 640 generallydefines an elongated component of the butterfly valve 100 which can bepositioned to extend perpendicularly relative to the vertical axis A₁.The handle body 640 includes an upper surface 650 and a bottom surface652. The handle body 640 further includes a bore 654 extendingtherethrough along the vertical axis A₂₁, e.g., the axis along which thevertical axis A₄ of the stem 116 can be aligned when the butterfly valve100 is assembled.

On the upper surface 650, the bore 654 can include a first bore section656 configured as a circular bore. The upper surface 650 furtherincludes a counter bore leading to the first bore section 656 configuredand dimensioned to receive therein a first washer 140, a second washer142 and a handle bezel 144 of FIG. 1. On the bottom surface 652, thebore 654 can include a second bore section 658, e.g., a recess,configured to correlate to the cross-sectional shape of the thirdsection 238 of the stem 116. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 71and 72, the second bore section 658 is configured as substantiallysquare in cross-section corresponding to the square cross-section of thethird section 238 of the stem 116 of FIG. 14. When the body assembly 102is assembled, at least part of the third section 238 of the stem 116 canextend out of the body 106 such that the third section 238 of the stem116 can be inserted into at least a portion of the second bore section658 of the handle body 640.

The handle body 640 includes a boss 660 on the bottom surface 652 whichsurrounds the second bore section 658 which mates to the stem 116. Insome embodiments, the boss 660 can be fabricated from a single material.In some embodiments, the boss 660 can be fabricated from two or morematerials. For example, a first material can be a separately producedcomponent which can be placed in a mold such that the first materialbecomes over-molded by the material of the handle body 640. Thiscomponent of the boss 660, e.g., a drive insert (not shown), can includea hole passing through its center axis which has a cross-sectioncorresponding to the third section 238 of the stem 116. Alternatively,the drive insert or third section 238 can be, e.g., pressed into, weldedinto, glued, or secured by means other than over-molding. In someembodiments, one or more keyways (not shown) on an outer surface of thedrive insert along axial paths parallel to the vertical axis A₄ of thestem 116 can be used to secure the drive insert relative to the handlebody 640. The one or more keyways of the drive insert can correspond tokeyways manufactured into the coincident surface of the handle body 640(not shown).

The embodiment including the keyway(s) may be advantageous when keys aretailored to fail in shear at a given load applied to the handle body 640while rotating the valve internals, e.g., the stem 116 and the disc 112,of the butterfly valve 100. For example, the keys can be configured towithstand a predetermined amount of shear force which is less than theshear force the handle body 640 can withstand. Thus, when a forcegreater than the predetermined shear force is applied to the handle body640, rather than the handle body 640 failing in shear, one or more ofthe keys can fail in shear to prevent damage to the handle body 640. Inparticular, before the shear force the handle body 640 can withstand isreached, one or more of the keys can fail to prevent damage to thehandle body 640. In some embodiments, the keys can be, e.g., square,round, rectangular, or of any shape that allows the keys to resist shearloads generated by operation of the butterfly valve 100. In someembodiments, the geometry of the keys may be molded or manufactured intothe handle body 640 and/or the drive insert as an integral feature ofthe handle body 640 or drive insert of the boss 660. The boss 660further includes a step 662 protruding therefrom which can interlockrelative to the cog 124 of the body assembly 102 to limit the amount ofrotation permitted by the handle assembly 638.

The handle body 640 defines a proximal end 664 relative to the verticalaxis A₂₁ and a distal end 666 positioned away from the vertical axisA₂₁. The proximal end 664 defines a substantially circularconfiguration. The distal end 666 can define a rectangularcross-section. However, it should be understood that in someembodiments, other configurations of the distal end 666 cross-sectioncan be used, e.g., square, round, rectangular, semi-circular, and thelike.

The handle body 640 can include a shrouding volume 668 which enclosesthe internals near the proximal end 664. In particular, the handle body640 can include a cavity 670 and a shrouding volume 668 extending alongthe bottom surface 652 of the handle body 640 such that the inner volumeof the handle body 640 can be substantially hollow and surrounded byside walls. The upper surface 650 of the proximal end 664 can includetwo protrusions 672 or notches extending therefrom parallel to thevertical axis A₂₁ and extending from an edge of the bottom surface 652of the shrouded volume 668. Each of the two protrusions 672 can define aface that creates two rounded points 674 with a rounded bridging area675 bridging the points 674. Each of the two protrusions 672 can bepositioned approximately 180 degrees relative to each other along theouter surface of the proximal end 664. A plane (not shown) passingthrough both protrusions 672 would therefore be perpendicular to theaxis created by the length L₆ of the handle body 640. As the handleassembly 638 rotates the disc 112 relative to the body assembly 102, theprotrusions 672 can rotate and align relative to the visual indicators184 on the body indicator bezel 108 to indicate to a user the positionof the butterfly valve 100, e.g., a closed position, a fully openposition, or an angle or degree of a partially open position. Inparticular, the protrusions 672 or notches on the handle body 640 canpartially surround the visual indicators 184 on the body indicator bezel108 and can provide a greater visibility in indicating a preciseposition of the disc 112 relative to the body 106.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, the shrouded volume 668and/or cavity 670 of the handle body 640 can be configured anddimensioned to receive therein the force ring 128, the lever/grip 642,and the spring 136 of FIG. 70. The cross-section along the length L₆ ofthe handle body 640 can vary accordingly to contain the inner componentsof the handle assembly 638, e.g., the force ring 128, the lever/grip 642and the spring 136. The handle body 640 can include a second cavity 676on the upper surface 650 from a mid-point of the handle body 640 to thedistal end 666. The handle body 640 further includes an internal passage678 connecting the cavity 670 with the second cavity 676. The secondcavity 676 includes a pin 677 extending in a direction parallel to thevertical axis A₂₁ configured and dimensioned to receive thereon thespring 136. As will be described in greater detail below, duringassembly, the lever/grip 642 can be passed through the internal passage678 such that the lever/grip 642 can move between the inner surfaces ofthe internal passage 678 to allow actuation of the handle assembly 638.The spring 136 can maintain a force against a portion of the lever/grip642 to require a user to depress the spring 136 by pressing onto thelever/grip 642 for actuation of the handle assembly 638.

The handle body 640 also includes a pin hole 680 extending horizontallythrough the handle body 640. In particular, the pin hole 680 can extendthrough the handle body 640 along a plane (not shown) defined by thelength L₆ of the handle body 640. Further, the pin hole 680 can extendthrough the handle body 640 along a longitudinal axis A₂₂. Thelongitudinal axis A₂₂ can be perpendicular relative to the vertical axisA₂₁. The pin hole 680 can be configured and dimensioned to receivetherein the pivot pin 644 of FIG. 70 to create a pivot point for thelever/grip 642 when assembled with the handle body 640. The pivot pin644 can also be used to secure the location of the lever/grip 642relative to the handle body 640.

A length L₆ of the handle body 640 can be dimensioned such that a usercan apply a load to one end of the handle assembly 638, e.g., a distalend 666, and create a rotation of the stem 116 and disc 112 within thebody 106. In particular, the handle body 640 can be attached to the stem116 that intersects the body 106 and on the third section 238 of thestem 116 which extends beyond the outer envelope of the body 106. A loadcan be applied along the length L₆ of the handle body 640 at a distancefrom the vertical axis A₂₁, e.g., the butterfly valve 100 centerline,such that a moment can be created about the stem 116 axis, e.g., thevertical axis A₄. As the handle body 640 moves through an approximately90 degree arc, the stem 116 can rotate through a corresponding angle toposition the butterfly valve 100 in, e.g., an open position, a partiallyopen position, or a closed position. In some embodiments, the handlebody 640 can include designations along the upper surface 650 on theproximal end 664 to indicate which direction the handle body 640 may berotated in to, e.g., open or close the butterfly valve 100. For example,the designations can be “OPEN” and “CLOSE” with arrows pointing in theappropriate direction of rotation to perform each action as shown inFIG. 24.

FIG. 73 shows a top, perspective view of a lever/grip 642 of a handleassembly 638. The lever/grip 642 can be configured as a single-piececomponent which defines a lever section 682 and a grip section 684. Thelever/grip 642 defines an upper surface 686 and a bottom surface 688, aswell as a proximal end 690 and a distal end 692. The proximal end 690can include the portion of the lever section 682 which is positionedclosest to the vertical axis A₁ during assembly with the body assembly102 and the distal end 692 can include the portion of the grip section684 extending away from the vertical axis A₁ during assembly with thebody assembly 102.

The lever section 682 includes two arms 694, e.g., fixed arms, extendingfrom the body of the lever/grip 642 and defining the proximal end 690 ofthe lever section 682. Each of the arms 694 can include a protrusion696, e.g., a boss, extending therefrom along an inner surface of thearms 694. The protrusions 696 can be configured and dimensioned tostraddle and/or mesh with the side slots 342 or grooves of the forcering 128 such that the force ring 128 can be detachably interlockedrelative to the lever section 682 of the lever/grip 642 via, e.g., asnap fit. It should be understood that the space created between theprotrusion 696 on each arm 694 of the lever section 682 can beconfigured and dimensioned slightly smaller than the diameter of theforce ring 128 to create a force against the force ring 128 when theforce ring 128 has been interlocked with the arms 694 of the leversection 682. The lever section 682 includes a pin hole 698 extendingtherethrough along a longitudinal axis A₂₃ which can be positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the vertical axis A₁ of the force ring128. Thus, when inserted within the handle body 640, the pin hole 698along the longitudinal axis A₂₃ can be aligned with the pin hole 680 ofthe handle body 640 and a pivot pin 644 can be used to intersect the pinhole 698 and the pin hole 680 to secure the lever/grip 642 relative tothe handle body 640.

At the distal end 700 of the lever section 682, the grip section 684 canconnect to the lever section 682 via an angled portion 702 such that thegrip section 684 is located on a plane offset from the plane of thelever section 682. During assembly, the lever/grip 642 can be passedthrough the internal passage 678 of the handle body 640 such that thelever section 682 of the lever/grip 642 is positioned within the cavity670, the grip section 684 is positioned within the second cavity 676,and the angled portion 702 connecting the lever section 682 and the gripsection 684 can be positioned within the internal passage 678 to permitmovement of the lever/grip 642 at the angled portion 702 between theinner surfaces of the internal passage 678. In particular, the outersurfaces 704 of the sides of the lever section 682, runningperpendicular to the pin hole 698 and the sides of the arms 694, can beconfigured and dimensioned to fit within the cavity 670 of the handlebody 640. The outer surfaces 706 of the angled portion 702 can beconfigured and dimensioned to fit within the internal passage 678 and topermit movement of the lever/grip 642 therein. In particular, the angledportion 702 can move between an upper inner surface and a lower innersurface of the internal passage 678 as the grip section 684 is depressedby a user, while the lever/grip 642 pivots about the pin 644. The outersurfaces 708 of the grip section 684 can be configured and dimensionedto pass through the internal passage 678 and fit within the secondcavity 676 of the handle body 640. The spring 136 positioned around thepin 677 of the handle body 640 can maintain a force against the bottomsurface 688 of the grip section 684 such that a user is required todepress the spring 136 by pressing the grip section 684 in the directionof the handle body 640 to actuate the handle assembly 638. Inparticular, actuation of the handle assembly 638 can occur by depressingthe grip section 684 from the top of the handle body 640. In someembodiments, the surfaces parallel to the direction of the pin hole 698,e.g., the pivot hole, can include differing features. For example, theupper surface 686 of the lever/grip 642 can be essentially flat withindentations to facilitate manufacture of the lever/grip 642. Theopposing face, e.g., the bottom surface 688, can include one or moreprotruding ribs 710 which can aid in positioning the lever/grip 642relative to the force ring 128 and/or the cog 124.

In addition to the interlocking between the slots 342 of the force ring128 and the protrusions 696 of the lever section 682, in someembodiments, an additional interface between the lever section 682 andthe force ring 128 can aid in interlocking and/or aligning the forcering 128 relative to the lever section 682. In particular, the leversection 682 can include an interior space 712 located between the arms694 and where the yoke arms 694 meet the center of the lever section 682configured and dimensioned to receive therein the protrusion 696, e.g.,an extrusion, of the force ring 128 extending off the outer surface 330of the force ring 128. The protrusion 338 on the force ring 128 can bepositioned above the group of splines 334 and can be centered betweenthe slots 342 or grooves which mate with the protrusions 696 of thelever section 682. Although discussed herein as implemented with theforce ring 128, in some embodiments, the lever/grip 642 can beconfigured to connect relative to the force ring 128′ of FIG. 28.

The fit between the interior space 712 and the protrusion 338 of theforce ring 128 can be essentially planar and close to minimizeindependent rotational movement of the lever section 682 with respect tothe force ring 128. The lever section 682 can also be fit closely to theinterior cavity 670 of the handle body 640 near the planar interface ofthe force ring 128 and the lever section 682 to facilitate creating aminimal amount of independent movement between the lever section 682and/or the lever/grip 642 and the handle body 640. In some embodiments,the lever section 682 can include a boss 714 protruding on each side ofthe lever section 682. The boss 714 can act as a centering means forcentering or ensuring a correct positioning of the lever section 682and/or the lever/grip 642 within the handle body 640. The meshing of thecomponents of the lever section 682 and the force ring 128advantageously provides an interface between the lever section 682 andthe force ring 128 which substantially reduces the handle rotationalload being transferred through the groove or pin arrangement used toapply a force from squeezing the lever/grip 642 to disengage the cog 124and the force ring 128.

In some embodiments, additional holes or slots and additionalcomponents, e.g., a pin or a shaped component roughly corresponding to aslot in the force ring 128 (not shown) can be used to create aninterface for load transfer and mobility of the force ring 128 relativeto the rotation of the lever/grip 642. In particular, the lever/grip 642can be mechanically interlocked relative to the force ring 128 and canpivot about the angled portion 702 to lift the force ring 128 off of thecog 124, thereby disengaging the mechanical ability of the force ring128 and the cog 124 to impede rotation of the stem 116. In someembodiments, the lever/grip 642 can lift the force ring 128 off of thecog 124 while maintaining the force ring 128 in a substantiallyhorizontal or level orientation relative to the cog 124, while allowingthe yoke portion of the lever section 682 and the lever section 682 totravel in an arc centered about the pivot pin 644. The handle assembly638 can then be used to rotate the stem 116 and, thereby, the disc 112,to position the butterfly valve 100 in, e.g., an open position, a closedposition, or partially open positions.

In some embodiments, alternative configurations of the lever section 682of the lever/grip 642 can be used to create a mechanically-interlockinginterface relative to the force ring 128. The alternative embodimentsfor the interface of the force ring 128 and the lever section 682 createdifferent geometries that can facilitate the same or an essentiallysimilar result of moving the cog 124 juxtaposed to the force ring 128during engagement or disengagement.

With respect to the grip section 684, the bottom surface 688 and theupper surface 686 can be flat such that the bottom surface 688 can alignwith the inner surface of the second cavity 676 when the grip section684 is depressed. In some embodiments, the upper surface 686 of the gripsection 684 can define a rounded configuration to match the contour of apalm of a user operating the handle assembly 638. The rounded uppersurface 686 can create a comfortable surface against which a user canprovide a force to depress the grip section 684 relative to the handlebody 640. In particular, a user's fingers can wrap around the handlebody 640 and the grip section 684 and the grip section 684 can bedepressed against the second cavity 676 inner surface by tightening thehand against the upper surface 686 of the grip section 684 andcompressing the internal spring 136. Squeezing of the grip section 684disengages the splines 288 of the cog 124 relative to the splines 334 ofthe force ring 128 by moving the angled portion 702 downward at theinternal passage 678, which in turn forces the lever section 682 of thelever/grip 642 to pivot at the pin 644. Pivoting of the lever section682 lifts the force ring 128 off of the cog 124 such that the handleassembly 638 can be rotated relative to the cog 124 and body assembly102.

In some embodiments, the lever section 682 can lift the force ring 128off of the cog 124 while maintaining the force ring 128 in asubstantially horizontal or level orientation relative to the cog 124,while allowing the yoke portion of the lever section 682 and the leversection 682 to travel in an arc centered about the pin 644. Releasingthe grip section 684 forces the spring 136 between the grip section 684and the handle body 640 to expand, which raises the grip section 684 andthe angled portion 702 within the internal passage 678, which in turnforces the lever section 682 and the grip section 684 to pivot about thepin 644. The force ring 128 can thereby be lowered against the cog 124and the splines 288 of the cog 124 can interlock with the splines 334 ofthe force ring 128 to lock the handle assembly 638 and the disc 112relative to the body assembly 102 in the desired position. In someembodiments, rather than fully lifting the force ring 128 off of the cog124, the force ring 128 can be partially lifted off of the cog 124 suchthat the splines 288 of the cog 124 and the splines 334 of the forcering 128 can ratchet over each other.

In some embodiments, the grip section 684 includes one or more bores 716adjacent to the distal end 692 strategically placed to allow a user toinsert a lock or a similar device (not shown) to inhibit rotation of thegrip section 684 around its pivot point. For example, a lock can beinserted into the bore 716 to prevent the grip section 684 from beingdepressed into the handle body 640, thereby preventing the grip section684 from pivoting about the pin 644, which in turn prevents the leversection 682 from pivoting about the pin 644. The lock blocks movement ofthe grip section 684 into the handle body 640, thereby not allowing thesplines 288 of the cog 124 and the splines 334 of the force ring 128 tobe disengaged. Operation of the butterfly valve 100, e.g., changing theposition of the handle assembly 638 relative to the body assembly 102,can thereby be prevented until the lock has been removed from the bore716. Similarly, in some embodiments, the grip section 684 includes oneor more slots 718, e.g., rectangular slots, oval slots, and the like,adjacent to the distal end 692 to allow a user to insert a wire and/orcable in place of or in combination with the lock discussed above toprevent depression of the grip section 684 relative to the handle body640.

FIG. 74 shows a perspective view of a pin 644 for implementation withthe handle assembly 638. The pin 644 can define a cylindrical shapewhich further defines a first end 720 and a second end 722. The firstend 720 can include one or more circumferentially spaced ribs 724, e.g.,crush ribs, extending therefrom. The ribs 724 can assist assembly of thehandle assembly 638 by providing a press fit between the pin 644 and thepin hole 680 of the handle body 640. For example, insertion of the pin644 into the pin hole 680 can crush or bend the ribs 724 to create aninterference fit of the pin 644 within the pin hole 680. The second end722 can be chamfered to aid in insertion of the pin 644 into the pinhole 680 of the handle body 640.

FIGS. 75-77 show top perspective, bottom perspective and sidecross-sectional views of an assembled handle assembly 638. As discussedabove, the force ring 128 can initially be interlocked relative to thelever section 682 of the lever/grip 642. The spring 136 can bepositioned onto the pin 677 within the second cavity 676 of the handlebody 640. The grip section 684 of the lever/grip 642 can further bepassed through the internal passage 678 of the handle body 640 up to theangled portion 702 and the grip section 684 can be positioned over thespring 136. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 688 of the gripsection 684 can include a pin protruding therefrom around which thespring 136 can be positioned. The spring 136 can thereby be maintainedin the desired position between the handle body 640 and the grip section684. The pin 644 can then be passed into the pin hole 680 of the handlebody 640 and through the pin hole 698 of the lever/grip 642 to interlockthe lever/grip 642 with the handle body 640 at the pivot point createdby the pin 644.

In the normal or default position, the spring 136 can be expanded,thereby forcing the lever/grip 642 to pivot about the pin 644 whichpositions the angled portion 702 of the lever/grip 642 against the upperinner surface of the internal passage 678, i.e., an edge formed by thecavity 670. The normal or default position of the lever/grip 642 alsopositions the force ring 128 against the cog 124 such that the splines334 of the force ring 128 and the splines 288 of the cog 124 interlockto maintain the position of the disc 112 and the stem 116 relative tothe body 106. To change the position of the disc 112 and the stem 116relative to the body 106, the handle assembly 638 can be actuated bydepressing the grip section 684 and the spring 136 against the secondcavity 676 which, in turn, positions the angled portion 702 of thelever/grip 642 against the lower inner surface of the internal passage678, i.e., an edge formed by the second cavity 676. Depressing the gripsection 684 can pivot the lever section 682 at the pin 644 to lift theforce ring 128 off of the cog 124 and disengage the splines 334 and 288such that the handle assembly 638 can be rotated relative to the bodyassembly 102 to change a position of the disc 112 or stem 116. Once thedesired position has been obtained, the grip section 684 of thelever/grip 642 can be released and the spring 136 can force thelever/grip 642 back into the normal or default position which, in turn,pivots the lever section 682 about the pin 644 and lowers the force ring128 onto the cog 124 to interlock the splines 334 and 288. Undesiredrotation of the handle assembly 638 relative to the body assembly 102can thereby be prevented.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expresslynoted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, butrather that additions and modifications to what is expressly describedherein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, itis to be understood that the features of the various embodimentsdescribed herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in variouscombinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutationsare not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A butterfly valve, comprising: a body assembly, the body assemblyincluding a body, a disc rotationally disposed inside an opening of thebody, a cog, and a stem passing through the disc and the body, and alocking cap, wherein the locking cap engages the cog to prevent rotationof the disc and the stem relative to the body.
 2. The butterfly valveaccording to claim 1, wherein the cog comprises at least one male memberand the locking cap comprises at least one female member engaging the atleast one male member.
 3. The butterfly valve according to claim 1,wherein the cog comprises at least one female member and the locking capcomprises at least one male member engaging the at least one femalemember.
 4. The butterfly valve according to claim 1, wherein the cog andthe locking cap comprise complementary splines engageable relative toeach other.
 5. The butterfly valve according to claim 4, wherein thecomplementary splines of the cog and the locking cap mate by a total of360 degrees.
 6. The butterfly valve according to claim 4, wherein thecomplementary splines of the cog and the locking cap mate by a total ofless than 360 degrees.
 7. The butterfly valve according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the cog and the locking cap comprises a frictionimparting surface.
 8. A method of assembling a butterfly valve,comprising: providing a body assembly, the body assembly including abody, a disc rotationally disposed inside an opening of the body, a cog,and a stem passing through the disc and the body, providing a lockingcap, and engaging the locking cap with the cog to prevent rotation ofthe disc and the stem relative to the body.
 9. The method according toclaim 8, comprising engaging at least one female member of the lockingcap with at least one male member of the cog to prevent rotation of thedisc and the stem relative to the body.
 10. The method according toclaim 8, comprising engaging at least one male member of the locking capwith at least one female member of the cog to prevent rotation of thedisc and the stem relative to the body.
 11. The method according toclaim 8, comprising engaging complementary splines of the cog and thelocking cap to prevent rotation of the disc and the stem relative to thebody.
 12. The method according to claim 8, comprising engaging thelocking cap with the cog via a friction force from a friction impartingsurface on at least one of the cog and the locking cap to preventrotation of the disc and the stem relative to the body.